Applicants earn the awards by completing a given number of hours of volunteer service, personal development and physical fitness. Bronze and silver awards are presented by local representatives in each congressional district. Between 500 and 1,000 candidates, ages 14 to 23, receive the award each year. Candidates may apply at any time during the year. A bachelor's degree is required, postgraduate or work experience is preferable and most candidates have been active in campus or community activities.
Many universities offer credit toward graduate degrees for participants in the program.
Applications are due in February. The awards program is designed to honor those groups and individuals who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities especially focused on the goals for children and youth set by the Presidents' Summit for America's Future. While nominations are accepted throughout the year, the regular selection process is quarterly, with deadlines of February 28, May 1, and November 1. Do Something Brick Awards Awarded annually to ten outstanding Americans under the age of 30 who are successfully building their communities and whose work is structured to have a lasting impact. Recipients use their grant to continue their work within their communities.