Show Your Talent
with ACT-SO.
Join the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific
Olympics (ACT-SO) achievement program for intensive mentoring
that culminates in competitions of performing and creative arts, science, and business.
Sponsorships
You might win a scholarship!
Compete for scholarships and other rewards locally and nationally.
Everyone has talent. Let’s see yours! For nearly 50 years, ACT-SO NAACP has provided a forum for high-school students across the U.S. to compete against one another in 33 categories.
Overview
ACT-SO is a year-round academic and cultural achievement program for Black students in which participants work with community-based volunteers to develop projects and performances.
Purpose
ACT-SO NAACP recognizes creative talent and academic achievement in the next generation of leaders, while helping students develop valuable skills for their future.
Eligibility
Participants must be high-school students enrolled in grades 9-12 of African descent who are amateurs in their chosen category or categories.
Competition
Participants in the annual National ACT-SO Competition, held during the NAACP National Convention, are chosen from the local competitions.
Schedule
- August: ACT-SO NAACP kickoff
- September - March: Mentoring and scholastic enrichment activities
- April: Local competition
- April - July: Gold medalist preparations
- July: National competition
Schedule
33 CATEGORIES IN 6 DISCIPLINES
STEM: Architecture, Biology/Microbiology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine and Health, Physics
PERFORMING ARTS: Dance (Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Cultural), Dramatic Arts, Music Instrumental (Classical, Contemporary), Music Vocal (Classical, Contemporary), Oratory, Spoken Word
HUMANITIES: Music Composition, Original Essay, Playwriting, Poetry (Written), Short Story
VISUAL ARTS: Drawing, Filmmaking, Painting, Photography, Sculpture
BUSINESS: Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management
CULINARY: Culinary Arts
Enter Now