Coraopolis Branch 26AB-B
Time: Registration: 9:00am Event: 10:00am
Location: Robert Morris University - Wheatley Center
Address: 410 Pennsylvania Ave. Moon Twp. PA. 15108
Program Overview
ACT-SO, a pioneering youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was established in 1978 by the esteemed author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. It serves as a unique platform for youth of African descent to demonstrate their academic, artistic, and scientific prowess, a recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.
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, startups, and laboratories nationwide and abroad.
Mission
The mission of ACT-SO is to prepare, recognize, and reward youth of African descent who exemplify academic and artistic excellence.
The goals of ACT-SO
● To mobilize the adult community to promote academic and artistic excellence among students of African descent.
● To recognize academic and artistic achievement among students of African descent.
● To provide and assist students with the necessary skills to establish goals and acquire the confidence and training to
contribute to society.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is ACT-SO
ACT-SO is a yearlong youth achievement enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students of African descent. The ACT-SO program centers on community volunteers and business leaders' dedication and commitment to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence. There are 33 competition categories in the sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and business.
Who Sponsors ACT-SO?
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) sponsors ACT-SO, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. ACTSO receives support from schools, community organizations, churches, foundations, private corporations, and individuals.
Who Founded ACT-SO?
Vernon Jarrett, a renowned author and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward academic achievers in the same way sports heroes are honored. The first national ACT-SO competition was held in
1978 in Portland, Oregon.
Who is eligible to participate?
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9-12, and are amateurs in the categories of competition can participate. High school students who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades
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Participation is not exclusive to students of African descent as the programaccepts support that prohibits exclusive participation
What are the benefits of participating in ACT-SO?
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First and foremost, the ACT-SO program is intended to be a learning experience. A viable and effective local ACT-SO program focuses on enrichment and mentorship. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop projects throughout the year online and in person. Local ACT-SO programs provide students with enrichment opportunities, such as workshops, tutorials, and field trips.
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The benefits ACT-SO Olympians receive from the enrichment and mentorship components include substantial assistance in developing their ACT-SO projects and valuable tools to assist them throughout their education.
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Each ACT-SO program conducts a local competition. The local competition showcases the hard work students have put in all year. Students receive medals and prizes from local and regional sponsors and contributors. ACT-SO Olympians who receive gold medals on the local level then compete at the national competition, where they receive scholarships and other rewards from national sponsors.