The NAACP Youth Council, HBCU College Fair, and ACT-SO programs provide students with opportunities for civic engagement, academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and leadership development that prepare young people to become advocates and changemakers in their communities.
The programs run every on one Sunday each month at 2:00 PM at the H.I.V.E. (by grade level). The time commitment is about 2 hours per month with the opportunity to design and create projects that support youth at their schools and broader community.
ACT – SO
The ACT-SO program is the premier youth achievement initiative of the NAACP, designed to recognize and cultivate excellence among high school students of African descent in the sciences, humanities, business, performing arts, visual arts, and technology. Participants compete in local competitions with opportunities to advance to state and national levels, where students showcase their talents and academic achievements among peers from across the country. ACT-SO also provides scholarship opportunities, mentorship, exposure to college and career pathways, and national recognition that supports students in achieving long-term academic and professional success.
HBCU College Fair Experience
Students also have the opportunity to participate in annual college exploration trips to regional HBCU fairs in Sacramento and Oakland, where they can connect directly with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as learn about California State University and University of California transfer pathways and academic programs. These events provide valuable access to scholarship opportunities, college recruitment resources, career exploration, and in some cases, on-the-spot admissions opportunities that help students prepare for higher education and future success.
Youth Council
The NAACP Youth Council is a dynamic youth leadership program that empowers young people to become active leaders, advocates, and changemakers within their schools and communities. Through civic engagement, social justice advocacy, cultural enrichment, mentorship, and community service, students develop leadership skills, public speaking confidence, and a deeper understanding of Black history and cultural identity. The program also supports college and career readiness by connecting students with networking opportunities, leadership training, academic support, volunteer experiences, and pathways for professional and personal growth.
