117th NAACP National Convention

ACT-SO

The Mission and Impact

The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a year-round achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. The National ACT-SO Competition is the exciting culmination of this effort, held annually during the NAACP National Convention, where students compete for scholarships, prizes, and recognition.

ACT-SO was founded in 197 by the renowned author and journalist, Vernon Jarrett. Inspired by the principles of the Olympics, Jarrett envisioned a program that would elevate intellectual and cultural pursuits with the same dedication and recognition given to athletic achievement. Since its inception, ACT-SO has helped thousands of students achieve their potential, with many alumni going on to become leaders in various fields.
ACT-SO operates on a two-tiered structure:
- Local Chapter Competition: Students participate in a local ACT-SO program mentored by dedicated professionals and volunteers. They compete within their local communities, and Gold Medal winners qualify to advance.
- National Finals: Local Gold Medal winners travel to the NAACP National Convention to compete against the nation's best and brightest in the National ACT-SO Competition.
Competitors showcase their talents in 33 categories across four major disciplines: Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Culinary Arts, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

National Competition Information

Become a National Competitor

To compete at the National ACT-SO Competition, students must first participate in and win a Gold Medal in one of the 33 categories at a local ACT-SO competition.

Eligibility: The program is open to high school students (9th–12th grade) who are enrolled in a participating local ACT-SO chapter via NAACP Branches or Youth Councils.
Path to Nationals: Winning local gold is the only way to qualify for the National Competition.
Find a Local Chapter: https://naacp.org/our-work/youth-programs/act-so-achievement-program/act-so-volunteer-opportunities

National Competition Details (for Qualified Competitors)

Qualified national contestants and their chaperones will receive detailed information regarding travel, lodging, and the competition schedule upon local chapter registration.

Competition Dates: July 16 (STEM, Visual Arts, and Business Competitions); July 17 (Culinary Arts, Humanities, and Performing Arts Competitions).
Required Materials: All project materials, performances, and presentation elements must strictly adhere to the national competition guidelines provided to local chapter advisors. There are no extensions provided for competition materials.
Awards and Recognition: National winners receive prestigious NAACP ACT-SO medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) and college scholarship opportunities.

National Convention registration is not included in the ACT-SO registration fee.

Registration for ACT-SO Contestants is via invitation only. Please contact your unit's ACT-SO chair for more information. The deadline for contestant registration is June 6.

Viewing Competitions: Witness the Talent

We invite all NAACP Convention attendees and the public to witness the extraordinary talent of our nation's ACT-SO scholars.
- Viewing Schedule: All competitions and exhibitions are open to the public.
- What You Can See:
  - Visual Arts & STEM Exhibits: Browse compelling displays of paintings, sculptures, photography, and innovative science/engineering projects.
  - Performing Arts: Witness dynamic performances in fields like drama, poetry, dance, and music.
  - Humanities Presentations: Observe podcast-style discussions, original writing critiques, and public speaking events.
The highlight of the competition is the spectacular Awards Ceremony, which features performances from ACT-SO youth and the presentation of all national awards and scholarships.
- Date, Time, & Location: Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., McCormick Place
- Tickets: All attendees must present an official ACT-SO or NAACP Convention credential for admittance.
Your involvement is essential to the success of ACT-SO and the future of our scholars. There are several impactful ways you can contribute during the National Convention:
VOLUNTEER AT THE CONVENTION
Help ensure a smooth and memorable experience for our competitors. Volunteers assist with competitor check-in, event logistics, room set-up, and general support.
- Requirements: Must be 25 years of age or older.
BECOME A NATIONAL JUDGE
ACT-SO relies on accomplished professionals and academics to impartially evaluate the competitors' work. Your expertise is invaluable.
- Requirements: Must have a degree, professional experience, or demonstrated expertise in one of the 33 ACT-SO categories.
- Commitment: Typically requires a one (1) - two (2) day commitment during the convention.
- Action: Apply today! https://forms.gle/kXLhUmmZNSfixcZQ8

Explore your passions

Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards.

View interest areas

Watch the ACT-SO Ceremony

Congratulations to our 2025 Medalists

Architecture
- Gold: Aya M., Southside Chicago Branch
- Silver: Makana S., Jacksonville Branch
- Bronze: Shai-Li S., Scotland Youth Council
Biology/Microbiology
- Gold: Ashley A., Newark Branch
- Silver: Abdulla M., Philadelphia Branch
- Bronze: Olivia W., Mount Vernon Branch
Chemistry/Biochemistry
- Gold: Chandler B., DuPage County Branch
- Silver: London M., Newark Branch
- Bronze: Frank M., Mount Vernon Branch
Computer Science
- Gold: Anirudh N., Albuquerque Branch
- Silver: Amber W., Dupage County Branch
- Bronze: Niara D., Southside Chicago Branch
Drawing
- Gold: Nydiadelicx B., Willingboro Branch
- Silver: Madison S., Cincinnati Branch
- Bronze: Ashir S., Scotland Youth Council
Earth and Space Sciences
- Gold: Sonia W., Brockton Branch
- Silver: Delia A., Dupage County Branch
- Bronze: Haasika J., Albuquerque Branch
Engineering
- Gold: Amerah W., DuPage County Branch
- Silver: Ifeoma O., Southside Chicago Branch
- Bronze: Dedrick H., Hillsborough Branch
Mathematics
- Gold: Ashley W., Dupage County Branch
- Silver: Makana S., Jacksonville Branch
- Bronze: Anirudh N., Albuquerque Branch
Medicine and Health
- Gold: Breana S., Mount Vernon Branch
- Silver: Ashley A., Newark Branch
- Bronze: Edward M., Dupage County Branch
Physics
- Silver: Dami A., Chicago Southside
- Bronze: Yvangi J., Brockton
Music Composition
- Gold: Donovan H., Montgomery County Branch
- Silver: Ethan O., Greater Indianapolis Branch
- Bronze: McQuay M., Virginia Beach Branch
Original Essay
- Gold: Demarion M., Coraopolis Branch
- Silver: Rob H., Boston Branch
- Bronze: Bailee B., Houston Branch
Playwriting
- Gold: Jordan F., Prince William Co. Branch
- Silver: Victoria D., Carroll County Branch
- Bronze: Gerard C., Albany-Dougherty Youth Council
Poetry Written
- Gold: Emiah N., Detroit Central Branch
- Silver: Demarion M., Coraopolis Branch
- Bronze: Ellis D., Gary Branch
Short Story
- Gold: Christian J., Oranges And Maplewood Branch
- Silver: Leonard O., Mount Vernon Branch
- Bronze: Isaiah M., Hillsborough Branch
Dance: Ballet
- Gold: Kendall M., Houston Branch
- Silver: Leah P., Brockton Branch
- Bronze: Sydney D., Las Vegas
Dance: Contemporary
- Gold: Ariel B., Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch
- Silver: Aliyah G., Boston Branch
- Bronze: Journey S., Jacksonville Branch
Dance: Modern
- Gold: Leah P., Brockton Branch
- Silver: Aliyah G., Boston Branch
- Bronze: Michael M., Mount Vernon Branch
Dance: Traditional
- Gold: Jaylaa T., Las Vegas
- Silver: NaVaeh W., Baltimore City Branch
- Bronze: Mudiwa H., Washington, D.C. Branch
Dramatic Arts: Acting
- Gold: Chaya C., Las Vegas
- Silver: Rhiauna S., San Antonio Branch
- Bronze: Kimara S., Jacksonville Branch
Music: Instrumental Classical
- Gold: Donovan H., Montgomery County Branch
- Silver: Madasyn T., Lake County Illinois Branch
- Bronze: Tiffany T., Dupage County Branch
Music: Instrumental Contemporary
- Gold: Tiffany T., Dupage County Branch
- Silver: McQuay M., Virginia Beach Branch
- Bronze: Daniel A., North San Diego County Branch
Music: Vocal Classical
- Gold: Layla B., Washington, D.C. Branch
- Silver: Kenneth J., Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch
- Bronze: Samirah M., Philadelphia Branch
Music: Vocal Contemporary
- Gold: Dajeun D., Akron Branch
- Silver: Sydney T., Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch
- Bronze: Myles C., New Brunswick Area Branch
Oratory
- Gold: Mycal T., Champaign County Branch
- Silver: Jaelyn T., Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch
- Bronze: Camren L., Oakland-Imani Youth Council
Poetry Performance
- Gold: Ryann D., DuPage County Branch
- Silver: Sharon A., Missouri City and Vicinity Branch
- Bronze: Amira K., New Orleans Branch
Filmmaking
- Gold: Caleb W., Dupage County Branch
- Silver: Alexander M., Altadena Branch
- Bronze: Zyia W., San Antonio Branch
Painting
- Gold: Ashir S., Scotland Youth Council
- Silver: Zarriah B., Carroll County Branch
- Bronze: Kameirah J., Seattle Branch
Photography
- Gold: Alessandra H., Newark Branch
- Silver: Haillee L., Jacksonville Branch
- Bronze: Darius I., Westbury Branch
Sculpture
- Gold: Simone B., Roanoke Branch
- Silver: Isabella N., Jacksonville Branch
- Bronze: Ashir S., Scotland Youth Council
Entrepreneurship
- Gold: Taylor G., Albuquerque Branch
- Silver: Sascha R., Maricopa Youth Council
- Bronze: Marcus M., Mount Vernon Branch
Culinary Arts
- Gold: Edymer M., Detroit Central Branch
- Silver: Lyanna J., New Orleans Branch
- Bronze: Derrick V., Newark Branch
Hospitality Management
- Silver: Houston Branch
  - Elisha F.
  - Jiah B.
  - Johnathan P.
  - Razan A.
  - Simone Z.

Mission

History

Program Structure

National Competition Information

Become a National Competitor

National Competition Details (for Qualified Competitors)

Attend the National ACT-SO Competitions

National Awards Ceremony

Get Involved: Support the Next Generation

Contact

Congratulations to our 2025 Medalists