The Long Beach Branch NAACP is now accepting applications for their Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Program until the end of January. ACT-SO is an enrichment program that culminates in a local and national competition where students compete for awards and scholarships totaling over $50,000.
The program was developed in 1978 to enhance and showcase the academic and artistic achievement of African-American high school students just as we do their athletic achievements. Since then, the NAACP ACT-SO has challenged students to excel and consistently put a spotlight on their efforts and successes, raised the standard of excellence and expectation among our youth, promoted a climate of academic and artistic development and mobilized the adult community to serve as mentors and coaches for students in the areas of the sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and business.
ACT-SO, also referred to the “Olympics of the Mind,” seeks to promote positive self-esteem, academic and artistic intelligence, positive interaction between our youth and the adult professional community. Furthermore, ACT-SO encourages more African-American youths to pursue higher education.
Requirements for applicants are that they must be enrolled in grades 9 to 12 and be an amateur (having not received wages for professional services) in any category of competitions. The last day to apply is Jan. 31. For more information, contact Naomi Rainey at (562) 856-7586.
