ACT-SO
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics
Inspire. Prepare. Compete. Shine.
ACT-SO is NAACP’s year-round youth achievement program for high school students to develop their talents, build confidence, and compete locally and nationally across more than 30 categories in STEM, Humanities, Business, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Culinary.
Shelia Whitmore
ACT-SO Chair
Rose Gordon
ACT-SO Co-Chair
Support ACT-SO
Your contribution helps us:
Provide scholarships, awards, and recognition to outstanding students.
Fund travel for local participants to compete at the national ACT-SO competition.
Offer year-round mentorship, workshops, and coaching in over 30 competition categories (STEM, humanities, business, performing arts, visual arts, and more).
Equip students with the confidence, skills, and networks needed to succeed in college and beyond.
Continue the NAACP’s legacy of fostering excellence, equity, and opportunity for the next generation.
How the Program Works
Interest & Info Session → learn categories, timeline, expectations
Enroll → choose up to 3 categories; get matched with a mentor
Training Season → workshops, coaching, practice showcases
Local Competition → gold medalists advance to nationals
Nationals → compete at the NAACP National Convention; celebrate!
Key Dates (2025–26)
Info Sessions: TBD
Enrollment Deadline: TBD
Coaching & Workshops: TBD
Local Competition: April 2026
National Competition: July 2026 (NAACP National Convention)
GET INVOLVED WITH ACT-SO
Upcoming ACT-SO events
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ACT-SO Informational
TBD
Join The ACT-SO Committee as we begin to inform the community of our 2026 ACT-SO program that will be culminating at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Il
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Local ACT-SO Competiton
TBD
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National ACT-SO Competition in Chicago, Il
TBD