NAACP seeks students for academic contests

The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP ACT-SO Committee is accepting applications for the 2023-24 program year.

ACT-SO, which stands for Afro-Academics, Cultural, Technological, & Scientific Olympics, is a youth initiative of the NAACP. The program, created in 1978 by noted journalist Vernon Jarrett, is dedicated to achieving academic excellence for African American high school students, according to a news release.

The committee will accept applications from students enrolled in Watson Chapel, White Hall, and Pine Bluff high schools. Last year, the Pine Bluff program had four winners who competed at the national level. Two are currently freshmen at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Students can compete in 33 academic categories. First place (gold) winners can attend the national competitions in July 2024 in Las Vegas, Nev. Thousands of dollars are awarded to first, second, and third place winners at the national level.

Many well-known celebrities’ careers began through the ACT-SO program, including movie producer John Singleton, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, and comedian Anthony Anderson.

“ACT-SO is a wonderful opportunity for high school achievers to showcase their talents and compete against the best of the best representing high schools from around the country,” said Maryann Lee, committee chairman. “This opportunity also exposes them to scholarships, internships, and information to help them in making sound career choices.”

Students interested in participating can call Maryann Lee at (870) 718-5330 or Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or email Lee at mizmaryann@gmail.com. The deadline for returning the application is Jan. 8, 2024. Competitions will begin in March 2024.