2008 ACT-SO Award Winners

Philadelphia, PA

Jordan Thomas - Classical instrument - GOLD

Jamisa Hines - Biology/Microbiology - BRONZE

Dasha Savage - Chemistry/Biochemistry - GOLD

Nathaniel Jones - Drawing - GOLD


Harrisburg, PA

Tilah Williams - Poetry - GOLD

CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS!!! Well Done.

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