2009 ACT-SO Award Winners

Silver Award Winner, Dasha Savage, Chemistry/Biochemistry Philadelphia Branch


Gold Award Winner, Muhga Eltigani, Mathematics, Philadelphia Branch

Bronze Award Winner, Jamesa Hines, Medicine & Health, Philadelphia Branch

Gold Award Winner, Jasmyne Dennis, Original Essay, Philadelphia Branch


CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS!!! Well Done.

For the complete listing, click here

More than 260,000 young people have benefited from initiative’s development & inspiration since its inception

Talented young people from a wide array of disciplines took their place in history recently by being recognized as national winners in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions. ACT-SO--the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics--is a major youth initiative of the NAACP. Gold, silver and bronze medalists were announced during the NAACP's 31st annual celebration of ACT-SO that concluded with award ceremonies July 12 in New York City, NY.

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. Gold medalists at the local level qualify for the national finals held each summer.

ACT-SO is a major youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Founded in 1978 by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO provides a forum through which African-American youth can demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, thereby gaining the same recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.

ACT-SO is a year-long 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 around the 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.

Today's Youth...Tomorrow's Legends.

“If you believe you can do it, then … ACT-SO!”

The success of ACT-SO is due largely to the dedication of the ACT-SO local sponsoring unit adult volunteers, mentors and coaches. These individuals volunteer their time and resources to the youth of their communities. The following NAACP Units may sponsor an ACT-SO program:

NAACP Branch - Chairperson appointed by Branch President

NAACP Youth Council - Chairperson appointed by Youth Advisor

The responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Hosting a yearlong ACT-SO program from September – July of each year.
Organizing an adult ACT-SO committee to implement the program
Hosting a local ACT-SO competition in February thru April 30th of each year.
Participating in the National ACT-SO Competition

ACT-SO Timeline

Local Program:

September: Local Programs kick off their ACT-SO program.

September through March/April: Local programs conduct mentoring and local enrichment programs.
February/April: Programs host their local ACT-SO competition

National Competition:

March/April through July: Students continue their mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the National ACT-SO Competition.

July: The National Competition