Academic & Cultural Excellence

ACT-SO Program

Empowering young minds through academic and cultural excellence. Our ACT-SO program provides opportunities for students to showcase their talents while building confidence and leadership skills.

20+
Competition Categories
500+
Students Served
15+
Years of Excellence
50+
Awards Won
Our Mission

Nurturing Excellence in Every Student

The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a year-long achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.

Promote academic and cultural excellence among African-American youth

Provide mentorship and guidance from community leaders

Create pathways to higher education and career opportunities

Join ACT-SO Today

Ready to showcase your talents and compete at the highest level? Join our ACT-SO program and unlock your potential.

Registration: September - November
Ages: 13-19 years old
Competition: Local, Regional, National
Competition Categories

20+ Ways to Excel

From STEM to the arts, find your passion and compete in categories that showcase your unique talents and interests.

Architecture

Design and structural innovation

Biology/Microbiology

Life sciences and research

Chemistry

Chemical sciences and analysis

Computer Science

Programming and technology

Culinary Arts

Cooking and food presentation

Dance

Choreography and performance

Dramatics

Theater and dramatic arts

Drawing

Artistic illustration and sketching

Entrepreneurship

Business innovation and planning

Fashion Design

Clothing and accessory design

Film Production

Video creation and editing

Music Instrumental

Musical performance and composition

Music Vocal

Singing and vocal performance

Oratory

Public speaking and presentation

Painting

Artistic painting and color work

Photography

Visual storytelling through images

Poetry

Creative writing and verse

Sculpture

Three-dimensional artistic creation

Short Story

Creative narrative writing

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Our Champions

Celebrating Excellence

Meet our outstanding ACT-SO participants who have achieved remarkable success at local, regional, and national levels.

Kearston Gonzales with violin
🏆 National Champion

Kearston Gonzales

Oratory

Gold Medal - National2024

Exceptional performance in oratory, demonstrating powerful public speaking skills and compelling delivery that captivated judges and audiences at the national level.

Kendall Gonzales with cello
🥈 Regional Finalist

Kendall Gonzales

Poetry

Silver Medal - Regional2024

Outstanding poetry performance showcasing creative writing and expressive delivery that impressed judges with its depth, creativity, and emotional impact at the regional competition.

Ready to Get Started?

Join the ACT-SO program and take the first step toward academic and cultural excellence. Contact us today to learn more about registration and requirements.

Visit Us

5252 Olde Towne Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188