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The success of ACT-SO is due largely to the dedication of the ACT-SO local sponsoring unit adult volunteers, mentors and coaches. These individuals volunteer their time and resources to the youth of their communities. The following NAACP Units may sponsor an ACT-SO program: NAACP Baltimore City Branch Annette Haynes 443/956-9564 Cellular
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The responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Talented young people from a wide array of disciplines took their place in history recently by being recognized as national winners in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions. ACT-SO -- the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics -- is a major youth initiative of the NAACP. Gold, silver and bronze medalists were announced during the NAACP's 30th anniversary celebration of ACT-SO that concluded with award ceremonies Aug. 3 at Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando Fla., co-hosted by actors Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews.  ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. Gold medalists at the local level qualify for the national finals held each summer. Founded in 1978 by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO provides a forum through which African American youth demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, often gaining recognition reserved for entertainers and athletes.  ACT-SO programs span most of a year beginning in the fall, followed by planning and coaching of participants through winter months, culminating in nearly 200 local competitions that run through April. The ACT-SO program is based on the dedication and commitment of more than 100 community volunteers and business leaders that serve as mentors and coaches.  In its 30 year history an estimated 261,000 young people have participated in ACT-SO events. More than 700 national gold medalists have come from 28 states. Over that time more than $354,000 in national competition prizes—bonds, monetary awards, laptop computers, scholarships--have been granted.  ACT-SO national winners receive financial awards from major corporations, college internships and apprenticeships. Corporate sponsors include: McDonald’s Corporation, the Maryland Institute College of Art, United Parcel Service, Ronald McDonald House Charities, State Farm, Sodexho, Wal-Mart, Northern Illinois University, Shell Oil, Coca Cola, the US Navy, Berkeley College of Music, The Walt Disney Company, Toyota Motor Sales, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Dow, Northrop Grumman, Kodak, Hyatt, Nestle, NASA and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. ACT-SO alumni occupy a wide array of careers including executive positions with corporations like Lockheed Martin and Citigroup—one even serves a vocal coach for FOX television’s “American Idol.” Famed ACT-SO alumni include musician Kanye West, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, filmmaker John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson.  Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. Media Contact: Richard J. McIntire (410) 580-5787
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