The program is designed to help students identify their goals, and then to choose and prepare for an Action Project based on one of their goals. Students them evaluate their efforts and prepare and give a presentation about their project to their family and friends. The program is set up as a series of ten two-hour sessions designed to be completed over ten weeks, but it can also be done in a few weeks or several months.

As part of the restructured program, young people between the ages of 8 and 17 can participate in Start Something in two ways: as part of a group of students under the guidance of a teacher or group leader, or on their own, through the program's Web site.

Participating youth who complete the program can apply for a Start Something Scholarship ranging from $100 to $5,000. The scholarship money can be used to help winners continue to pursue their goals. Examples include music lessons, sports camps, special educational programs, travel, and equipment. The scholarship program is available to young people in the United States (the 50 states or D.C., not including territories and affiliated jurisdictions).

Scholarships are awarded three times a year, with applications due May 1, September 1, and January 1. Over the course of each year, the Start Something program will award scholarships totaling $300,000.

Complete program and scholarship information is available at the Start Something Web site.