BRIEF HISTORY
 

1976: Vernon Jarrett presented his concept for ACT-SO an “Olympics of the Mind” to the DuSable Museum of African American History, in Chicago. The original idea was to install in the Chicago area. It was decided that the program would be better served with a national audience.
 

1977: At the 68th annual NAACP Convention the NAACP Board of Directors adopted a resolution to accept ACT-SO as an official sponsored NAACP youth achievement program with the following goals:

● To encourage and recognize academic achievement of African American students.
● To promote excellence and highlight academic achievement as well as, support the accomplishments of these students.
● To encourage communities to become involved in working as partners in the quest for scholastic achievement by serving as mentors, fundraisers, sponsors, and organizers.

1978 The first National ACT-SO competition was held in Portland, Oregon with seven cities participating: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and St. Louis.

1980 Barbara Coggins, a colleague or Vernon Jarrett, was hired as the first National ACTSO Director and designed a structural framework for the execution of ACT-SO programs across the country. Subsequent Directors include Rhonda K. Suttle, Jeneen Robinson, Anana Kambon and Larry Brown, Jr.

 

1991 The NAACP Board of, Directors/ACT-SO Board, committee was created.

2004: Mr. Vernon Jarrett lost his battle with cancer at the age of 82.

TODAY: ACT-SO expanded its offerings to foster collaborative work among students from various disciplines. The program sustains approximately 200 programs nationally. 300,000 people have participated in the program at the local and national levels combined.

2024+: ACT-SO continues to promote academic excellence, and leadership development to positionACT-SO competitors as the brightest and best scholars and creatives in the world.