The Rochester Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced the upcoming launch of a new program in Rochester, Minnesota called the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). ACT-SO, an initiative of the NAACP was founded in 1978 by the renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett and is rooted in the belief that Black/African Americans can excel at the highest levels in various fields when provided with the right support. Often referred to as the "Olympics of the Mind," ACT-SO aims to recruit, stimulate, improve, and encourage high academic and cultural achievements among high school students. According to Lancet Public Health and the National Center for Health Statistics, education is a neglected social determinant of health that is also intrinsically linked to well-being. ACT-SO is a yearlong program with competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual, and culinary arts. It provides a platform for Black/African American students to highlight their educational capabilities, receiving recognition comparable to entertainers and athletes. The enrichment program also supports students collaborating with local volunteers, mentors, and organizations to develop projects and participate in workshops, tutorials, and field trips.