Target Stores, Tiger Woods Add Online Resources to 'Start Something' Site
Target Stores and the Tiger Woods Foundation have added three new online 
resources for youth and teachers as they integrate the Start Something program into their daily lives. The new resources are available at http://startsomething.target.com. Start Something encourages students ages 8-17 to identify a specific personal desire or goal, and begin taking steps toward achieving it. In the process, students can qualify for scholarships to fund their special interests and enter a contest to meet Tiger Woods.
There are 10 sessions in the Start Something program, each about two hours in length. The program can be completed in 10 weeks or spread out over several months. Students can work individually or in groups with a teacher or group leader to complete activities for each session.
The site's "Start Dreaming" feature was developed by bigchalk and provides resources for Start Something participants to review and learn about various careers from experts. This feature includes an easy reference guide for related school subjects, suggested projects and other information associated with the career. The site now features 10 careers, including computer programmer, doctor, engineer, police officer and teacher, with additional careers to be added in the future.
The "Interest Survey" feature, also developed by bigchalk, gives students a chance to take an age-appropriate inventory of their personality type. Similar to the Myers-Briggs system, the survey explores social, behavioral and psychological dimensions, such as learning style and social tendencies. Each survey takes about 10 minutes, and students receive immediate feedback. In addition, the site features a "Teacher Forum" section, which is a bulletin board where teachers can communicate with each other about implementation ideas and program successes. Start Something, Minneapolis, MN, (800) 316-6142, http://startsomething.target.com.
This article originally appeared in the 10/01/2002 issue of THE Journal.