ACT-SO
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
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.
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
Watch the ACT-SO Ceremony
2026 ACT-SO Medalists
Join us in congratulating the 2026 ACT-SO medalists who participated in the 49th ACT-SO Competition.