What is ACT-SO?
ACT-SO was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. The program is intended to provide recognition to young people who could demonstrate academic, scientific, and artistic achievement, allowing young people to gain recognition equal to that often achieved by entertainers and athletes.
AN ENDURING LEGACY OF BLACK EXCELLENCE
ACT-SO aims to:
Recognize creative talent and academic achievement in the next generation of leaders.
Provide and assist students with the necessary skills to establish goals and acquire the confidence and training to make a successful contribution to society.
Mobilize adults to promote academic and artistic excellence.
300K young people have participated in ACT-SO, as of 2021
Who can participate:
Students of African descent who are U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the categories are eligible to participate.
Participants in the annual national ACT-SO competition are chosen from the local competitions. (find out how to get involved in your local competition)
Responses for Kitsap County 2023 participants:
Promise Bell:
ACT-SO gave me an opportunity to engage in my community in ways unimaginable. I also got to experience growth watching other young passionate community members compete as well.
S’kyra Anderson:
ACT-SO gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent while also allowing me to see my community growing with the help of us young adults.