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What is ACT-SO?
The ACT-SO Program is an enrichment program for Nashville high school students ingrades 9-12 who are of African Descent. ACT-SO stands for Afro-Academic CulturalTechnological Scientific Olympics. Also known as the “Olympics of the Mind”, ACT-SOseeks to promote positive self-esteem, academic and artistic excellence, and positiveinteraction between our youth and the adult professional community. The NAACPNashville Branch will host its 2024 Local ACT-SO Competition on Saturday, April 27,2024.Our motto is “We Think So, Therefore We ACT-SO”. Founded in 1978, by renownedauthor and journalist, Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO provides a forum, through which youth ofAfrican descent demonstrate academic, artistic, and scientific prowess and expertise,thereby gaining the same recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.ACT-SO is designed to recruit, stimulate, improve, and encourage high academic andcultural achievement among high school students of African descent. Students whocompete on the local level have an opportunity to participate in enrichment activities,compete for scholarships and achieve a bronze, silver, or gold medal. Local goldmedalists have an opportunity to compete amongst Local ACT-SO Gold Medalists fromacross the United States in the 2024 National NAACP ACT-SO Competition whichwill take place July 11 th -13 th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Areas of Competition
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)Computer ScienceBusiness: EntrepreneurshipPerforming Arts: Dance, Instrumental, Vocal, Oratory, and Poetry PerformanceHumanities: Original Essay, Poetry-written, Short Story andVisual Arts: Drawing.Students can compete in up to three categories. Amateurs in grades 9-12 are eligible toparticipate in ACT-SO categories of competition (there is no age or GPA requirement).
How To Apply?
Applications can also be downloaded from the Nashville Branch websitenaacpnashville.org or at your request by sending an email tonaacpnashvilleactso@gmail.com. Also, there are ACT-SO applications available at theNashville Branch office 1308 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208. Completedapplications can be submitted via email, by mail, or in person at the NAACP NashvilleBranch office.
Local Competition & Awards Ceremony
The local ACT-SO Competition will take place on Saturday, April 27 th , 2024, from 9AM-1PM at Jere Baxter Middle School 350 Hart Ln, Nashville, TN 37207. Following thecompetition there will be an awards ceremony where participants in the localcompetition will be recognized for their efforts.
National NAACP ACT-SO Competition
July 11 th -13 th in Las Vegas, Nevada
2024 ACT-SO Committee:
John Little III (ACT-SO Chair), Paris E. Lee (ACT-SO Co-Chair), David E.Conner, SherylGuinn, Wayne Shaw, Leiya Smith, Cheryl Woodard, Ludye N. Wallace
BECOME AN NAACP ACT-SO SPONSOR TODAY!
The NAACP Annual ACT-SO experience culminates in our local and nationalcompetitions where students compete for scholarships and other rewards. Bycontributing as a sponsor, you will further the possibilities for students to participate inthe ACT-SO Program in the future. You can contribute to the ACT-SO program bydonating funds to support NAACP Nashville’s ACT-SO operating expenses, provideprizes for competition winners, in kind support, provide job and internship opportunitiesfor current participants in the ACT-SO Program. Your donation will assist in coveringexpenses for students and chaperones to attend the National ACT-SO Competition July11 th -13 th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sponsorship Levels
Bronze Sponsor = $Any Amount
Silver Sponsor = $500.00
Gold Sponsors = $1,000.00
Platinum Sponsor = $2,000+
For more information, call our office phone number at (615) 329-0999. You can alsoreach out to naacpnashvilleactso@gmail.com.
We look forward to your participation andsupport.All proceeds will go directly to funding the NAACP Nashville ACT-SO Program.Financial donations can be made out to NAACP ACT-SO.
Contributions and/or gifts tothe NAACP Nashville ACT-SO Program are not deductible as charitable contributionsfor federal income tax purposes: however, they may be claimed as regular businessexpenses.