ACT-SO
Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics
ABOUT ACT-SO
ACT-SO – the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a youth program under the administrative aegis of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to encourage high academic and cultural achievement among underserved minority high school students. ACT-SO relies on community volunteers and business leaders to serve as mentors and coaches in promoting academic and artistic excellence among African-American and Hispanic students. By providing an arena where students strive to excel in the sciences, arts and humanities, ACT-SO equips its participants with the skills to live meaningful lives.
In 1977 Vernon Jarrett of Chicago, a renowned author, civil rights activist and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward young academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. The first national ACT-SO competition was held in 1978 in Portland, Oregon.
"We must never write off the potential for greatness among any of our beleaguered youth. Never!"
-- Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO founder
(1918 – 2004)
Mission: For over thirty years the mission of ACT-SO has been to prepare, recognize and reward youth of African descent who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.
The goals of ACT-SO are:
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To mobilize the adult community for the promotion of academic and artistic excellence.
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To recognize creative talent and academic achievement.
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To provide and assist students with the necessary skills to establish goals and acquire the confidence and training to make a successful contribution to society.
