ACT-SO

(Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)

Contact person - Ms. Madge Benson

     Email Address: madgeolyn@earthlink.net

 

What Is ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students.  The ACT-SO program centers on dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders, who serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among African American students.  There are 25 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing and visual arts.

Who Sponsors ACT-SO?

 NAACP sponsors ACT-SO.  ACT-SO receives support from schools, organizations, churches, foundations, private corporations and individuals.

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

Eligible participants are high school students of African descent, who are U.S. citizens, enrolled in grades 9 – 12, and who are amateurs in the categories of competition.

What Are the Benefits of Participating in ACT-SO?

 First and foremost, the ACT-SO program is intended to be a learning experience.  The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is on enrichment and mentorship.  Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them to develop projects throughout the year.  Local ACT-SO programs also provide ACT-SO students with enrichment opportunities, e.g., workshops, tutorials, and field trips.

 

ACT-SO Philosophy

 ACT-SO is rooted in the firm conviction that African Americans can succeed and compete at the same or superior levels as their counterparts in classrooms, boardrooms and laboratories across this nation and abroad.  The objective of ACT-SO is to prepare, recognize, and reward African American youth who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.  The ACT-SO goals are:

1.      To mobilize the adult community for the promotion of academic and artistic excellence among African American youth.

2.     To recognize academic and talent achievement among African American students in a manner commensurate with the recognition afforded athletics.

3.     To provide and assist African American students with the necessary skills and tools to establish goals and to acquire the confidence and training to make a successful contribution to society.

ACT-SO is targeted toward Black youth because of their test scores, which consistently remain at the bottom rung nationally when compared to other ethnic groups.  ACT-SO was designed to be a showcase of what each participating local NAACP branch has been doing throughout the year to save our young people from the spirit of mediocrity and defeatism that plagues many of our communities.