ACT-SO is an acronym for Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO recruits students annually and conducts annual Academic Olympic competitions for students in grades 9th - 12th in NAACP Branches throughout the country. First place local winners then compete with youth from other cities at the National ACT-SO finals held during our National Convention. Houston has participated in the National Scholarship contest since 1983. There have been 48 national winners from the Houston area, with over 2,100 students participating in the local competition and 400 students competing nationally to represent the NAACP and the City of Houston.

The successes that students are experiencing through the efforts of all who support ACT-SO verifies the educational credo, "All Students Can Learn!"

In addition to scholarships awarded to national winners, local participants are often afforded funding assistance for their educational pursuits, as a direct result of their having participated with the ACT-SO Program. Concerned and appreciative parents and students have often expressed that were it not for the assistance, experience and exposure provided through the NAACP ACT-SO Program, many educational opportunities might not have been possible.

Currently the Branch is developing an ACT-SO Alumni Program which enhances the organization's ability to remain abreast of participants progress; provide young mentors for current participants; and to provide an avenue to community service opportunities for young adults, thus enhancing their concept of, and commitment to, civic responsibility.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACT-SO?

The ACT-SO program is intended to be a learning experience, first and foremost. The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is on enrichment and mentorship. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop projects throughout the year. The Houston Branch ACT-SO program also provides ACT-SO students with enrichment opportunities, such as workshops, tutorials, and field trips.

 

The benefits ACT-SO students receive from the enrichment and mentorship components, include substantial assistance toward the development of their ACT-SO projects and valuable tools to assist them throughout their education.

 

The local competition serves to showcase the hard work students have put in all year long. Students receive medals and prizes provided by the local sponsors and contributors. ACT-SO Students who receive gold medals on the Houston level, then compete at the National Competition where they receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors. 

 

 

WHO SPONSORS ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. ACT-SO receives support from schools, community, organizations, churches, foundations, private corporations and individuals.

 

 

WHO FOUNDED ACT-SO?

Vernon Jarrett (1913-2004), a renowned author and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. The first national ACT-SO competition was held in 1978 in Portland Oregon.

 

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

High school students of African-American descent, who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition are able to participate.

 

WHEN DOES THE ACT-SO PROGRAM BEGIN?

ACT-SO is a year-long enrichment program that begins with mentoring, coaching and teaching. The Houston ACT-SO competition takes place in April. Contestants who win gold medals on the Houston level, qualify to attend the National ACT-SO competition, which will take place in New York City, NY - July 8, 2009 – July 12, 2009.

 

Click here to see the categories available for competition.