NAACP ACT-SO Achievement Program
Catalog organization: NAACP
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
What Is NAACP ACT-SO Achievement Program?
ACT-SO is a year-round enrichment, mentoring, and competition program for Black high-school students. Local NAACP units generally launch their programs in August, conduct mentorship and enrichment from September through March, hold local competitions in April, and prepare local gold medalists for the National Competition in July. Students develop and present work in STEM, performing arts, humanities, visual arts, business, and culinary fields.
The national eligibility FAQ requires competitors to be U.S. citizens in grades 9-12 and amateurs in their selected categories. Students must enroll through a participating local ACT-SO program. Only local gold medalists qualify for nationals, so the national contestant portal is invitation-only rather than a direct public application. The current NAACP site provides a student Apply link, but local deadlines, category availability, materials, and fees vary by unit.
NAACP ACT-SO Achievement Program Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Cost | Varies — see Cost and funding |
|---|---|
| Format | Hybrid |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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