At the beginning of the school year, participating schools select a core group of students to attend the opening conference, held at an area college/university. This conference includes a keynote speaker, facilitated dialogues, and school-group planning sessions. Students have the opportunity to meet students from other schools, increase awareness of different viewpoints, learn about stereotyping and its effects, discuss feelings about race, and be exposed to the college campus.

Following the opening conference, student groups meet back at their schools and participate in rare open, honest discussions about race issues within the school context. The groups follow a carefully designed set of activities and materials that prompt discussion throughout the year. Students discuss questions such as where students sit in the cafeteria, what jokes are made in the hallways, and how students from all cultural backgrounds are accepted. After identifying areas of concern in their particular school, students develop and implement action plans to address the identified issues.

Near the end of the year, student groups gather at a different area college/university for a second conference in which student groups present their projects and outcomes. They also hear a keynote speaker, participate in additional dialogues, and engage in cooperative activities.