General Information
ACT-SO stands for Afro Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics, “Olympics of the Mind”. ACT-SO is a major 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 youth of African descent can demonstrate academic, artistic, and scientific prowess and expertise, thereby gaining the same recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.
High School students who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition are eligible to participate. 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 mission of ACT-SO is to prepare, recognize, and reward, youth of African descent who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.
Currently in Pennsylvania there are active ACT-SO units in the Philadelphia, Cheltenham, Chester, and Greater Harrisburg branches. If your branch is interested in starting an ACT-SO program, Contact: Sean Parker, Chairperson, ACT-SO, NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference at 267-471-9752 or sean19150@yahoo.com. You can also see more information on the National Website.
2020 National ACT-SO Bronze Medal Winners
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Kenneth Moody Music Instrumental – Classical Philadelphia Branch |
Lunden McClain Poetry Performance – Written Harrisburg Branch |
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