YOUTH ACADEMIC OLYMPIC COMPETITION
Recruiting Local African-American Students for Academic Competition

PINE BLUFF, AR (Nov 21, 2023) — The Pine Bluff NAACP ACT-SO Committee announces that it is accepting applications for the 2023/24 Program year. The program, created in 1978 by noted journalist Vernon Jarrett, is dedicated to achieving academic excellence for African American high school students. The aim is to focus the same level of recognition on academic achievement generally received by achievements in competitive sports in high schools. ACT-SO is the largest academic achievement and competition-based program for African-American students in the U.S. Students can compete in 33 different academic categories. Volunteer judges with the academic qualifications decide the winners. First place (gold) winners receive the opportunity to compete at the national competitions being held in July 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thousands of dollars are awarded to first, second, and third place winners at the national level.

Maryann Lee, who chairs the committee, said, “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. This opportunity also exposes them to scholarships, internships, and information to help them in making sound career choices.” Last year, the Pine Bluff Program had four winners who competed at the national level, two of which are currently freshmen at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The committee will be accepting applications from students enrolled in the following high schools: Watson Chapel, White Hall, and Pine Bluff/Dollarway. Students interested in participating can call Maryann Lee at 870-718-5330 or Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or email Lee at [email protected]. The deadline for returning the application is January 8, 2024. Competitions will begin in March 2024.