Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics
of Greater Cleveland
ACT-SO Competition
"Celebrating Brilliance. Rewarding Excellence."
What Is ACT-SO?
A National Stage for Academic and Artistic Excellence
The NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. ACT-SO includes 33 competitions in STEM, Humanities, Business, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Culinary. Almost 300,000 young people have participated in the program since its inception.
For over forty years the mission of ACT-SO has been to prepare, recognize and reward youth of African descent who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.
How to Get Involved
ACT-SO thrives because of its community—students, mentors, judges, volunteers, and partners who believe in the power of opportunity.
For Students: If you’re a U.S. high school student in grades 9–12, you’re eligible to compete. No professional experience required—just passion and commitment.
For Mentors and Volunteers: Professionals and educators can guide students through project development, workshops, and local events.
For Judges: Experts across disciplines evaluate projects and provide constructive feedback at the local competition and decide the winners.
For Sponsors and Partners: Corporations, foundations, churches, small businesses universities, and cultural institutions can invest in scholarships, workshops, and financial support for our students and the program to prepare and recognize them on a local and national level.
2026 Competition Categories
ACT-SO’s 33 competition categories reflect the vast range of talent and curiosity. From engineering and medicine to poetry, painting, and entrepreneurship, the program celebrates every form of brilliance.
Students can compete in up to three (3) categories of competition from a total of 33 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Performing Arts
DANCE: BALLET
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.
Business
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Refers to owning, organizing, and managing your own business by providing a necessary product or service.
Culinary
CULINARY ARTS
The creative practice of cooking. One who engages in the culinary arts, or a culinarian, is either called a cook or a chef depending on their level of expertise.
The Spectrum of Excellence
ACT-SO’s 33 competition categories reflect the vast range of talent and curiosity. From engineering and medicine to poetry, painting, and entrepreneurship, the program celebrates every form of brilliance.
Each category is judged on originality, technical skill, and presentation. But beyond medals, participants gain mentorship, exposure, and lifelong networks that extend far beyond the competition.
The local competition for all categories will be held on April 11, 2026 from 9 am – 1 pm at the East Professional Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Our Gold medal winners from the local competition will advance to the NAACP National Competition held in July, 2026, in Chicago, IL.
The Journey: From Local to National Stage
This season promises new opportunities, expanded mentorship tracks, and a renewed focus on innovation and storytelling.
KEY DATES
Recruitment and Student Mentoring
January - March 2026
Applications to Compete Close
March 31, 2026
Local Competition
Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Cleveland, OH
Local Awards Ceremony
April 2026
Mandatory Gold Medal Winner Orientation
May 2026
Gold Medal Winner Coaching Sessions
May - July 2026
National Competition
July 2026 - Chicago, IL
A Glimpse of National ACT-SO Competition
Why ACT-SO Matters
ACT-SO was born from a simple but powerful idea: that academic and artistic achievement deserve the same spotlight as athletic success.
ACT-SO is designed to do more than recognize talent—it builds confidence, discipline, and pride. Students gain access to professional mentors who guide them through a year of preparation, helping them strengthen their skills, sharpen their focus, and believe in their abilities.
The program encourages:
Positive self-esteem and self-confidence
Academic and artistic excellence
Cultural pride and intellectual achievement
Meaningful relationships with mentors and community leaders
Students receive yearlong guidance from volunteer mentors who help them refine projects, build confidence, and prepare for competition. The result is a network of scholars, artists, and innovators who carry forward a legacy of brilliance.
FAQ and the Future
Who can participate?
Students of African descent, U.S. citizens, grades 9–12, and amateurs in their chosen field.
What are the benefits?
Mentorship, enrichment, scholarships, national recognition, and a lifelong network of peers and professionals.
When does the next season begin?
Recruitment opens every fall, with local competitions in spring and nationals in summer 2026.
As ACT-SO enters its 47th year, the program continues to evolve—embracing digital storytelling, new STEM frontiers, and creative entrepreneurship. The next generation of innovators, artists, and scholars is already preparing to take the stage.
PARTNER WITH US
Sponsor the NAACP ACT-SO of Greater Cleveland
The NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) program is a nationally recognized achievement initiative designed to identify, support, and reward academic and artistic excellence among African American high school students.
The 2025 Greater Cleveland ACT-SO Competition will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2025, at the East Professional Building in Cleveland, Ohio. With the awards ceremony set to take place in May 2026. Student Gold medalists will advance to national competition taking place in Chicago, IL, supported by continued enrichment, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
We invite corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals to partner with us in uplifting the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders.
Why Sponsor ACT-SO?
ACT-SO sponsorship directly supports:
- Academic and artistic excellence
- Leadership development and confidence building
- Access to mentorship and professional networks
- Recognition and celebration of student achievement
- College and career readiness for high-achieving students
Sponsors play a visible and meaningful role in recognizing excellence while aligning with a mission rooted in equity, opportunity, and achievement.
ACT-SO Chairs and Stakeholders
Samuel (Sam) D. Dickerson II
is a visionary and relationship‑driven leader committed to strengthening communities through dialogue, partnership, and transformative programming. As the newly appointed Managing Director of Programs & Partnerships – Cleveland for the Rekindle Fellowship, Sam brings a strategic, compassionate, and culturally grounded approach to advancing Black–Jewish allyship and building sustainable community bonds across Northeast Ohio.
Sam’s career reflects more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of education, community development, and social impact. Before joining Rekindle, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of A Better You (ABY) Community Resource Center, where he led initiatives focused on empowerment, family stability, and community resilience. Under his leadership, ABY launched the ABY Container Freight Farm System, an innovative urban agriculture model that expands food access, supports workforce development, and strengthens local economies. His expertise in this sector earned him a seat on Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s Agriculture District 11 Committee, where he contributed to regional strategies that enhance food systems and community well‑being.
Sam’s foundation as an instructional leader spans multiple school districts, including Glenville High School, Lincoln West High School, Elyria High School, and Normandy High School. His leadership in these institutions resulted in improved school culture, academic performance, and collaborative engagement among students, educators, families, and community partners. His work in education continues to inform his approach to program design, facilitation, and youth development.
His commitment to cultivating excellence and expanding opportunity for youth aligns deeply with Rekindle’s mission of building bridges, nurturing leadership, and fostering meaningful cross‑community relationships.
TiaMarshae Johnson
is a strategic marketing and communications leader, storyteller, and brand architect with more than a decade of experience shaping compelling narratives across higher education, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors. She currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at Central State University, where she leads university-wide branding, digital strategy, storytelling, and campaign execution in support of enrollment, fundraising, alumni engagement, and institutional growth.
In her role at Central State University, TiaMarshae oversees integrated marketing initiatives including major fundraising and awareness campaigns, presidential and executive communications, university publications, website development, brand governance, and multi-channel content strategy.
Beyond higher education, TiaMarshae is the Founder and Principal of EGO Trip Media, a creative marketing and event strategy firm specializing in brand development, content strategy, digital experiences, and high-impact events. Through EGO Trip Media, she has partnered with a diverse portfolio of organizations including the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Wilberforce University, Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Odyssey Media, Women of Color Foundation, Protocol International, and the American Cancer Society (West Palm Beach). Her work spans institutional branding, digital transformation, event strategy, storytelling, and community engagement across local, national, and international platforms.
Known for her ability to balance strategy with creativity, TiaMarshae brings a collaborative, systems-driven approach to her work—building processes, guiding teams, and creating scalable frameworks that elevate both brand presence and operational excellence. Her work is rooted in authenticity, legacy-building, and the belief that powerful storytelling is essential to advancing purpose, progress, and community impact.
Our History
- 1976: Vernon Jarrett presented his concept for ACT-SO an “Olympics of the Mind” to the DuSable Museum of African American History.
- 1977: The NAACP Board of Directors adopted a resolution to accept ACT-SO as an official sponsored NAACP youth achievement program that would be sponsored by local NAACP units, conduct an annual local competition and bring a contingency of gold medalists to the annual National ACT-SO Competition.
- 1978: The first National ACT-SO competition was held in Portland, Oregon with seven cities participating: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans and St. Louis.
- 2004: Mr. Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO founder, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 82.
- 2015: ACT-SO adds the Culinary Arts competition as an official competition on the roster of disciplines.
- 2018: ACT-SO celebrates its 40th Anniversary with more than 700 entries at the national competition featuring automated judges scoring.
- Today: NAACP ACT-SO continues to promote growth, excellence and innovation to position ACT-SO competitors as “Leaders For Tomorrow and Beyond.” Over the past 40 years, over 300,000 have participated in the program. ACT-SO sustains approximately 200 programs nationally.
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