ACT-SO is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO, the "Olympics of the Mind," is a nation-wide program sponsored by the NAACP that encourages high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. The 7-month local program features leadership development sessions, 1-on-1 mentorship, and service activities. The DuPage County ACT-SO program culminates with an academic competition and Awards Banquet in March where students present projects developed under the guidance of mentors. The local gold medalists then compete against winners from other cities at the National ACT-SO finals held during the NAACP's Annual Convention in July.