ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)

NAACP's achievement program and competition for high school students in 33 categories across the sciences, humanities, business and the arts. Students enter through a local ACT-SO chapter run by an NAACP branch or youth council. Local gold medalists go on to the national competition at the NAACP convention. There are no academic requirements to take part.

Offered by NAACP. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: In-person. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.

Fields: STEM, Arts, Humanities, Writing

Key facts

Who can apply: High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in nationwide.
Cost: Free to take part.
Dates: No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.

Info checked October 2026.

Questions about ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)

When is the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) deadline?

No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.

Is ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) free?

Yes. ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) is free to take part in.

Who can apply to ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)?

High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in nationwide. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

More academic competitions for high school students