Felicia Apprey

     A new chapter of achievement, cultural pride, and leadership begins as DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) announces the launch of its 2024-2025 season. This year, the program, which is committed to uplifting and showcasing the talents of African American high school students, opens its doors to a fresh wave of participants eager to explore their potential and make lifelong connections.

The excitement builds as the season kicks off on Saturday, September 21st, with an open invitation to students to immerse themselves in a day filled with discovery, camaraderie, and inspiration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with past projects, enjoy live performances, and meet peers who share their passion for excellence.

     For nearly half a century, ACT-SO has been a beacon for young African American scholars and artists. Dubbed the “Olympics of the Mind,” this program, a vital part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), provides a stage where students can shine in various disciplines, from STEM and Business to the Humanities, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. DuPage County ACT-SO, the Illinois branch of the NAACP, is particularly proud to be part of this legacy, fostering an environment that encourages high academic achievement and cultural awareness among African American youth.

     The program is more than just a competition—it’s a transformative journey. Over the course of seven months, students are not only preparing for the chance to compete at the National ACT-SO competition but are also receiving invaluable mentorship, professional guidance, and training to be ready for college and beyond. Local gold medalists from DuPage County advance to the national stage, where they compete with the best of the best from across the country for scholarships, monetary awards, and the honor of recognition in their chosen fields.

     The DuPage County ACT-SO enrichment program offers a wealth of resources, including workshops, tutorials, and one-on-one mentoring, aimed at honing the talents of its students. Throughout the program, students delve deep into their interests across 31 categories, exploring potential careers while developing projects that reflect their skills and ambitions. It is a holistic approach to education that builds confidence, nurtures talent, and sets the stage for future success.

     Families eager to seize this unique opportunity can register online at the DuPage ACT-SO website. Additionally, prospective participants can attend virtual orientation sessions to get a closer look at what the program entails and the benefits it offers. The upcoming orientation dates are:

  • August 31, 2024 (10:00 AM)
  • September 9, 2024 (7:00 PM)
  • September 11, 2024 (7:00 PM)

ACT-SO’s impact is far-reaching, with nearly 300,000 students benefiting from the program’s mentorship and guidance since its inception 46 years ago. It has been a pivotal force in shaping the lives and careers of many accomplished African Americans, including cultural icons like Angela Rye, Anthony Anderson, Kanye West, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Williams, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

The success of DuPage County ACT-SO would not be possible without the generous support of partners like Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, B-Unity, and Lewis University. 

These partnerships help ensure that the program continues to provide enriching experiences and opportunities to its participants.

For more details on how to get involved, register, or volunteer, visit dupageact-so.org.

Stay connected with DuPage ACT-SO on Facebook and LinkedIn to follow the journey of these extraordinary young leaders as they embark on their path to greatness.