What is ACT-SO?
National Program
The NAACP's ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment and achievement program designed to recruit, simulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. It was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. Almost 300,000 young people have participated in the program since its inception.
ACT-SO is an acronym that stands for Afro Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics. It is the primary youth initiative of the (NAACP) National Association for the advancement of Colored People.
Claiborne Parish Program
We have had dozens of local participants who have competed in the STEM, humanities, business, and arts categories. Our program's chairperson is Sadie Flucas, a community advocate.
ACT-SO Impact
"Before I won my four NAACP Image Awards and before I was nominated for an Emmy twice, I won a national medal at the NAACP ACT-SO Competition... ACT-SO helped build on the foundation that I stand on today. " -Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson
Former ACT-SO Participant
young people have participated in ACT-SO, as of 2022.
Past Participants
Get With The Program
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August-October: Local programs, hosted by NAACP units, kick-off annual ACT-SO activities.
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October-March: Local programs conduct mentoring and scholastic enrichment activities.
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March-April: Local programs host ACT-SO competitions. Gold medalists (those with scores between 95-100 in their competition areas) are expected to compete on a national level.
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April-July: Students continue their local mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the national competition.
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July: Winners from the local competitions compete at the National Competition and Ceremonies, held every July in conjunction with the NAACP National Convention. 2024 National Competition will be held in Las Vegas, NV.
