ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)

This is a real program, but some details for the current cycle are not published or not yet confirmed. Check the official source before you plan around it.

Award

National gold, silver and bronze medals plus college scholarship opportunities from national sponsors (amounts not stated)

Deadline

Local competitions run February to April; local gold medalists advance to the national competition held in July at the NAACP convention. 2027 national dates not yet posted.

How to apply

Enroll in a local ACT-SO program through an NAACP branch or youth council, compete locally, and advance as a gold medalist.

What you'll need

• Original research
• A finalist round or selection weekend
• Test scores (check whether they are optional)

Who can apply

U.S. citizens in grades 9 to 12 who are amateurs in their category; 33 categories across humanities, performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts and STEM.

Good to know

Participation runs through local NAACP units; check your local chapter for its schedule.

Details

STEMArtsWritingU.S. citizens only