YOUTH PROGRAMS
We support Black youth through leadership development, mentorship, civic engagement, cultural programming, academic enrichment, and community connection.
ACT-SO
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, & Scientific Olympics
Mentorship
Program
Achieve personal, academic, and leadership growth.YOUTH
COUNCIL
Become a changemaker.YOUTH COUNCIL
Whether you’re interested in advocacy, leadership, arts and culture, organizing, meeting new people, or just finding a supportive community space, there’s a place for you here.
The NAACP Eugene-Springfield Youth Council is a space for young people to build leadership skills, connect with community, speak up about issues that matter to them, and create change locally.
Through civic engagement, advocacy, mentorship, community service, cultural programming, and youth-led organizing, Youth Council members work together to strengthen their schools, neighborhoods, and future opportunities while building friendships and connections along the way.
Youth Council Leadership
Advisor: Aaliyah Payne, Education Coordinator
President: Jazmine Shelton, University of Oregon
Vice President 1: Nyla Buchwalter-Drumm, Willamette High School
Vice President 2: Audrey Angel, University of Oregon
Treasurer: Genesis Manning, Willamette High School
Secretary: Vy Doan, Willamette High School
Who Can Join?
Youth ages 14–24
Meetings
First Saturday of every month
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Clear Lake Community Center
4646 Barger Drive, Eugene, OR 97402
How to Join
All Youth Council members must hold an NAACP membership which is $10/year. If membership cost is a barrier, please contact the branch directly. We want young people to be able to participate.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The mentor program provides youth with the tools to explore their identity, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and empowers them to achieve personal, academic, and leadership growth. Through centering youth voices, fostering meaningful relationships between youth and community members, and offering consistent mentorship and encouragement, we aid youth in becoming confident, purpose-driven leaders in their communities.
Who Can Join?
The Mentorship Program welcomes three key groups:
Mentees, who are youth that identify as a person of color and are ages 13 to 18 seeking guidance and support.
Adult mentors (21+) committed to youth development and community engagement.
Schools and families looking to provide students with additional support and positive role models.
ACT-SO
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, & Scientific Olympics
ACT-SO is a year-long NAACP enrichment and mentorship program for Black high school students (Grades 9–12).
Students work with local mentors, artists, educators, and professionals to develop projects, build skills, and compete in areas including STEM, visual arts, performance, writing, business, and culinary arts.
Gold medal winners advance to the national ACT-SO competition held during the NAACP National Convention each summer, where students from across the country compete for scholarships, recognition, and awards.
why join?
Work one-on-one with mentors and professionals
Develop creative, academic, and leadership skills
Build portfolios and presentation experience
Connect with other talented Black students
Compete locally and nationally
Earn scholarships, awards, and recognition
Explore future careers and interests
HOW IT WORKS
1. Join the Local Program
Students work with local mentors and volunteers throughout the school year to develop projects and prepare for competition.
2. Compete Locally
Students present their work through the local ACT-SO competition.
3. Advance Nationally
Gold medal winners move on to compete at the national ACT-SO finals during the NAACP National Convention.
ACT-SO helps Black students grow their talents, build confidence, and explore future pathways through mentorship, competition, and creative development.
EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS
STEM
Architecture • Biology • Chemistry • Engineering • AI & Computer Science • Medicine & Health • Mathematics • Physics • Earth & Space Sciences
Performing Arts
Dance • Acting • Instrumental Music • Vocal Music • Oratory • Spoken Word
Humanities & Writing
Poetry • Essays • Playwriting • Short Stories • Music Composition
Visual Arts & Media
Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Photography • Filmmaking
Business & Culinary Arts
Entrepreneurship • Hospitality Management • Culinary Arts