The NAACP Youth ACT-SO Program is set to honor outstanding youth from Northwest Indiana at its highly anticipated annual „ACT-SO Talent Extravaganza“ and „NAACP Junior Image Awards.“ The event will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Indiana University Northwest, located at 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408.
The ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) program is a national youth initiative under the NAACP that promotes academic and artistic excellence among African American high school students. The upcoming event will showcase the remarkable talents of local youth in various disciplines, including STEM, humanities, entrepreneurship, performing arts, and visual arts.
Encouraging Young Talent in Northwest Indiana
The ACT-SO Talent Extravaganza is calling on high school students from charter, public, and home-school backgrounds in Northwest Indiana to participate in this inspiring competition. Categories include:
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Dramatic Arts & Acting
• Dance & Oratory
• Poetry, Drawing & Painting
• Filmmaking & Photography
• Sculpture & Entrepreneurship
Students interested in competing have until February 8, 2025, to submit their nominations by scanning the QR code provided on the event flyers or by emailing [email protected].
NAACP Junior Image Awards
The NAACP Junior Image Awards, part of the evening’s celebrations, will recognize exceptional youth from grades 6 through 12 who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and the arts.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and support the local youth as they take the stage to showcase their talents.
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities
Organizers are also seeking sponsors and youth vendors to participate in the event. Those interested in contributing can reach out to:
• Jeana Payne – (219) 902-2730
• Stephen Mays – (219) 201-6050
• Bruce Curry – (908) 328-4908
• Joyce Milles – (219) 682-8330
Additionally, youth are encouraged to become members of the NAACP Youth Council and get involved in leadership and advocacy efforts within the community.
For more details, students and parents can scan the QR code on the official flyers or contact the organizers via [email protected].
With a tradition of fostering excellence, the NAACP ACT-SO program continues to empower young talents, and this year’s Junior Image Awards & Talent Extravaganza promises to be an event to remember.
