WHAT IS ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to stimulate, improve and enhance academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. Dedicated and committed community volunteers who are professionals from fields in the sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts and business support the ACT-SO program. These volunteers serve as mentors and coaches and promote academic and artistic excellence among African-American students. There are 24 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing, visual arts, and business.

WHO SPONSORS ACT-SO?

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, sponsors ACT-SO. ACT-SO 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 an “Olympics of the Mind” that would promote and reward academic achievers 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?

African-American high school students who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9 through 12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition. Students must compete in a local ACT-SO program to qualify for the National ACT-SO competition.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACT-SO?

ACT-SO, above all, is a learning experience, in which scholarships and prizes are awarded. At the national level, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded along with cash scholarships of $1,000, $750 and $500 in each category, in addition to many other awards, scholarships and prizes. Local winners are awarded certificates and many other prizes. Participants develop new skills and enhance their ability with each ACT-SO pursuit.

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

WHEN DOES THE ACT-SO PROGRAM BEGIN?

ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program that begins with mentoring, coaching and teaching. Local competitions usually take place between March and May. Contestants who win gold medals on the local level qualify to attend the National ACT-SO competition, which takes place in early July at the Annual NAACP Convention.

HOW CAN A STUDENT APPLY AND GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Contact Dr. Joyce Miller (Click ACT-SO Participation Form Link Below) or your local NAACP branch office for information regarding applications for the program. If your Branch does not have an operating ACT-SO program contact the National ACT-SO Office visit the website at www.naacp.org, for the program closest to you.

Garland ISD High School ACT-SO Contacts

Mr. Gerald Hudson, Naaman High School , ghudson@garlandisd.net
Ms. Kim Gilmore, Sachse High School , klgilmore@garlandisd.net
Ms. Zanetta Floyd, Rowlett High School , zlfloyd@garlandisd.net
Ms. Kathy Saunders, South Garland High School , ksaunder@garlandisd.net
Ms. Marcia Roper, North Garland High School , mroper@garlandisd.net
Mr. Charles Freeman, Lakeview Centennial High School , cfreeman@garlandisd.net
Ms. Dana Smith, Garland High School, dlsmith@garlandisd.net