Youth ages 11-18 roles-play as characters in stories, which provide a context and starting point for their journeys. Some teams meet in person, while others work online.

Each team has one or more advisors, called envoys, who organize teams and help guide their journeys. Envoys meet virtually or physically with team members, provide wide-ranging support and offer resources along the way.

Written narratives by accomplished writers introduce a problem within each settlement and characters who might address the challenges and find solutions. Team journeys serve to complete the stories. Some of the storytellers advise teams as well.

A specialized curation team designs a futuristic museum experience for Mars.

The prototype development team serves as mission control during the journeys, working with envoys and teams, offering information and resources as needed.

At the end of the journeys, all Model Mars participants come together for a final convening, where they hear keynote presentations from professionals working in space sectors worldwide.