Dear Friend of ACT-SO,

The Bloomington-Normal ACT-SO Program is a nonprofit academic initiative sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The program is 42 years old and was founded by renowned author, journalist and humanitarian, the late Vernon Jarrett. Our local program provides African-American students in the Bloomington-Normal area, grades 9-12, the opportunity to explore and challenge their interest and talent in 5 categories: STEM, Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Culinary Arts and Business. The students experience a 7 month, intensive, academic enrichment program that provides individual mentors and enrichment activities. The students then compete locally for scholarships. Gold medalists in each category, (32 total categories) are automatically entered into the national competition, where they compete against hundreds of students from across the United States for national scholarships and awards. The Bloomington-Normal ACT-SO program covers expenses for each student that participates in the national competition.

Please help us to celebrate the accomplishments of our local students’ hard work and passion for their talents by contributing financially. All donations are tax deductible. Your contribution will allow the dreams of the young people in our program, to come alive. It will also show your commitment to the community and philanthropic efforts as well.

If you have any questions or for further information, please contact us at 309-287-3839 or via email at act-so@bnact-so.org. Please help inspire these talented youth by contributing to this cause. Help us to make a difference and encourage the positive endeavors of these young scholars. They are truly worthy of your contribution.

Sincerely,

Tameka Thompson and Paige White, Co-chairs
Bloomington-Normal ACT-SO

Meta Mickens-Baker, Academic Enrichment Chair
Bloomington-Normal ACT-SO

Carol M. de la Cruz, Advisor
Bloomington-Normal ACT-SO