A major youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), ACT-SO is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics.  Founded in 1978 by Vernon Jarrett, pioneering renowned author and syndicated journalist, ACT-SO provides a forum through which African American youths are able to demonstrate their academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, and thereby gain the same recognition often reserved only for persons in the entertainment and sports worlds.

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Through ACT-SO, local NAACP units provide an instrument through which African American youths are encouraged and inspired toward excellence in academics and cultural pursuits, while also benefiting from the maximum support of volunteers and mentors in their communities.

The following are goals of ACT-SO:
To mobilize community volunteers for the promotion of academic and artistic excellence among African American students.

To recognize and reward academic achievement among African-American students in a manner commensurate with the recognition afforded athletics

To assist African-American students in establishing goals, developing the necessary skills, and acquiring the tools, training and confidence for success.

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Who is Eligible to Participate?

• High School students of African descent, 

• Who are citizens of the United States, 

• Enrolled in grades 9th - 12th and 

• are amateurs in the categories of competition.

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What are the benefits of participating in ACT-SO?

Students receive medals and prizes provided by the local and regional sponsors and contributors. ACT-SO students who receive gold medals on the local level then compete at the National Competition where they receive scholarships and other reward provided by national sponsors. 
 
National scholarships are $2,000 for gold, $1,500 for silver and $1,000 for bronze.