Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics of the Mind (ACT-SO) is a program more than 30 years old, founded by renowned author, journalist and humanitarian, the late Vernon Jarrett. This local program provides African-American students in the Riverside area, grades 9-12, the opportunity to explore and challenge their interest and talent in five categories: Science, Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Business. The students experience an intensive, academic enrichment program that provides individual mentors and enrichment activities.
The mission of the NAACP Youth & College Division shall be to inform youth of the problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to advance the economic, education, social and political status of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities and their harmonious cooperation with other peoples; to stimulate an appreciation of the African Diaspora and other people of color’s contribution to civilization; and to develop an intelligent, militant effective youth leadership.
