Afro-Academic Cultural
Technological Scientific
Olympics
Participation Opportunities
ACT-SO is a community-based program that provides multiple opportunities for involvement. Community members may participate as: Chairpersons, mentors, sponsors, organizers, competitors, benefactors, educational partners, etc.. The program receives support from schools, local businesses, community organizations, churches, foundations, major corporations and individuals. For more detailed criteria and information about how to get involved, please contact the National ACT-SO office.
Students can select up to 3 competitions from a total of 29 offerings.
STEM
ARCHITECTURE
The science, art or profession of designing buildings or outdoor spaces.
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms collectively.
CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY
The science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of chemical processes and phenomena of substances and the transformation that they undergo.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
The science that deals with the theoretical aspects of computers including storage and the transformation of data using computers.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES
The body of sciences that include geology, mineralogy, physiography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, astronomy, speleology, seismology, geography, etc.
ENGINEERING
Technology. Projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses.
MATHEMATICS
The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions of spaced configurations and their structure. Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations and the application of these principles.
MEDICINE AND HEALTH
The study of diseases and health of humans and animals.
PHYSICS
Theories, principles and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter.
HUMANITIES
MUSIC COMPOSITION
The science or art of arranging music by ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination or in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.
ORIGINAL ESSAY
A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of a subject or topic.
PLAYWRITING
A literary composition developed for the stage.
POETRY-WRITTEN
An original poem or prose performed as a monologue or exchange involving extemporization.
SHORT STORY
A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of a subject or topic.
THE PERFORMING ARTS
DANCE: CONTEMPORARY
To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music using grace and precision.
DANCE: CONTEMPORARY
To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.
DANCE: MODERN
To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music that focuses on the dancer’s interpretations using their emotions and moods to develop choreography.
DANCE: TRADITIONAL
To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music to reflect the life of the people of a certain region or country.
DRAMATICS
The art of staging or acting plays.
MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL-CLASSICAL
The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.
MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL-CONTEMPORARY
The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.
MUSIC VOCAL-CLASSICAL
The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.
MUSIC VOCAL-CONTEMPORARY
The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce music with the tones of the present.
ORATORY
The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (This is not a dramatic presentation.)
POETRY-PERFORMANCE
An original poem or prose performed as a monologue or exchange involving extemporization.
THE VISUAL ARTS
DRAWING
The art of representing forms and figures on a surface by means of lines.
FILM-MAKING
The art and process of making motion pictures.
PAINTING
The art of laying on paints with a brush or a knife.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The process, art and technique of taking images recorded by a camera and reproducing them on a photosensitive surface.
SCULPTURE
The art of making three-dimensional figures or designs.
BUSINESS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Refers to owning, organizing, and managing your own business by providing a necessary product or service.
Get With The Program
The ACT-SO program follows a structured timeline to guide students from registration to national-level competitions. Here's how it works:
August/September: Students register and submit inquiries to join the program.
October-March: Monthly mentoring and scholastic enrichment activities are conducted to help students develop their skills and prepare for the competition.
April: Local ACT-SO competitions take place. Students who earn gold medals (scoring 95-100 in their category) qualify to compete at the national level.
April-July: Gold medalists continue participating in mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the national competition.
July: Local winners compete at the National Competition, held alongside the NAACP National Convention, where they showcase their talents on a national stage.
Join Us in Celebrating Excellence
Become a Part of the ACT-SO Family
Engage in the community, showcase your talents, and contribute to a culture of excellence in the performing arts and academics.