ACT-SO is the “brainchild” of the late Vernon Jarrett, a pioneer African American national syndicated journalist, NAACP life member and an advocate for children.  After continually observing rising U.S. trends, which much too often indicated African-American students among the ethnic groups with the lowest scholastic scores and highest dropout rates, particularly in an overwhelming numbers of urban-centered school districts, he felt the need to do something to help stem the tide of this serious nationwide problem

Jarrett believed that the promotion of “a winning spirit" in approaching any aspect of life goes a long way in encouraging and inspiring youngsters towards excellence in academics, as well as cultural activities.  He also believed in the African proverbial adage that “It takes a village”.  As a result of his push to mobilize adult community volunteers, interested in helping to promote excellence in achievement, scholastically and in co-curricula and after-school activities, he founded ACT-SO. One of the primary objectives of ACT-SO is to afford the same respect for African Americans in scholastic and cultural achievement awarded to heroes in the “World of Sports”.

 

All participants must meet the following criteria:

1. Of African descent
2. Enrolled in grades 9-12
3. A citizen or legal resident of the United States

4. Amateur status (not a paid professional)
5. Demonstrate a genuine interest in one of the 26 categories listed below:
6. Submit a separate project in each category entered
(A student may enter more than one category)

SCIENCES

Biology/Microbiology
Chemistry /Biochemistry
Computer Science
Earth & Space Sciences
Engineering
Mathematics
Medicine and Health
Physics
Architecture

PERFORMING   ARTS

Dance
Dramatics
Music
Instrumental/Classical
Instrumental/Contemporary
Vocal/Classical
Vocal/Contemporary
Oratory

HUMANITIES

Music Composition
Original Essay
Playwriting
Poetry

VISUAL ARTS

Drawing
Filmmaking
Painting
Photography
Sculpture

BUSINESS

Entrepreneurship

 

An Olympics of the Mind
(for students of African descent in grades 6-8)
ANNUAL ACADEMIC COMPETITION
Science,Humanities & Visual Arts
Saturday January 21, 2012
10am-2pm
Download Application for Jr. ACT-SO