"I gained meaningful mentorship and long-lasting relationships. It was powerful to see students and leaders in this space who looked like me."
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The right half of a young man's face slides up on a solid orange background until it's centered in the frame. He is smiling at the camera.
Meet alumn Calvin Bell, and learn about the impact of his year-long participation with local ACT-SO mentors and peers.
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Animated stop-motion illustration shows Calvin walking, looking at the camera, and typing in his laptop. The words 'ACT-SO', 'worth' and 'communities' also appear on the animation.
"During my time in ACT-SO, I realized I could use my passions and interests to make a difference."
Calvin is seen from his left side holding a microphone in his right hand and smiling. He's wearing a suit and red bow tie.
"I gained meaningful mentorship and long-lasting relationships. It was powerful to see students and leaders in this space who looked like me."
Calvin and two women stand on a podium wearing medals and holding their hands up high in celebration. Behind them, there is a sign with the word "Vote" in large font.
"Intersecting my passion for politics and computer science, I started to think of ways to bring tech to marginalized communities."
Calvin at a science fair, using a device connected to his head. He's looking at the camera and is seen from the waist up.
"Now I'm focused on creating policy surrounding prison reform on behalf of my late father who was incarcerated."
Calvin's hands holding a picture of his late father. The text on the picture reads "In Loving Memory, Calvin R. Bell Jr. Sunrise: November 11, 1982, Sunset: October 31, 2020".
"ACT-SO taught me that my worth is not based on what I look like but what I can offer and create that uplifts communities everywhere."
Stop motion animation showing Calvin's hands typing on a white laptop with a solid orange screen.
The Google.org grant will help ACT-SO extend the program to nearly 100,000 students by 2023, helping the NAACP to support the next generation of Black leaders.
Illustration of Calvin looking and smiling at the camera with his arms folded. He is standing and is wearing an orange scarf.