About us.
Destination Imagination is a global educational non-profit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders and creative problem solvers. DI was incorporated in New Jersey, USA, in 1999. DI operates educational programs and activities in 47 states and in 30+ countries. Each year, more than 15,000 student teams (100,000+ youths) participate in our programs, which are supported by an estimated 30,000 amazing volunteers.
WHAT WE OFFER
Celebration – As the premier celebration of the impact of creativity, Destination Imagination offers participants the opportunity to experience validation and inspiration of the creative process through their own efforts.
Collaboration – Destination Imagination offers individual and team collaboration at an intense and unique level. Participants can explore their social aptitude while working with peers locally and from around the world on complex problem-solving opportunities.
Cultural Exchange – Embracing the similarities and difference of groups, individuals and cultures is a key component of Destination Imagination. Interacting with people from a variety of cultures helps participants to foster a more inclusive, global community.
Empowerment – Increased competency and confidence are a result of participants realizing they have what it takes to overcome adversity during competition while also maneuvering in an away-from-home setting.
Individual Growth – DI provides participants the opportunity to assess strengths and limitations while experiencing the impact of reaching one’s total capacity.
30000+
Students
Every year we impact more than 30,000 students in 40 US states, 6 Canadian provinces, 27 countries, and 6 Continents.
27
Countries
Independent research concluded that participants in DI’s Challenge Experience outperform others in creativity, collaboration, idea generation, and problem-solving.
13000+
Volunteers
Destination Imagination is grateful for the thousands of volunteers who contribute to our organization.
Challenge Experience
The Challenge Experience is our flagship program for pre-K, K-12 and university students. Teams develop solutions to project-based STEAM challenges and then present their solutions live at tournaments.
01
TECHNICAL CHALLENGE
The Technical Challenge prompts students to complete tasks by using engineering, research, strategic planning, and related skills.
02
ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
Our Engineering Challenge asks students to explore and apply engineering skills and tools to design and build solutions to specific applications.
03
SCIENTIFIC CHALLENGE
Our Scientific Challenge blends the curiosity of scientific research with the creative expression of performance art.
04
FINE ARTS
Our Fine Arts Challenge helps students develop acting and creative skills through artistic media, theater arts, scriptwriting, and prop design.
05
IMPROVISATIONAL
Our Improvisational Challenge is all about research, spontaneity, and storytelling. Teams receive topics and quickly produce skits.
06
SERVICE LEARNING
Our Service Learning Challenge is designed to engage students in public service that addresses real-life community issues.
07
EARLY LEARNING
Our Rising Stars for Early Learners Challenge offers simple experiences with the creative process, and it gives young kids (preschool through 2nd grade) a place to work together and make new friends.
08
INSTANT CHALLENGE
All teams will have the opportunity to solve an Instant Challenge. These challenges require teams to engage in quick, creative and critical thinking.
WE BELIEVE THAT…
KIDS CAN BE EMPOWERED TO CHANGE THE WORLD
MISSION
To inspire and equip youth to imagine and innovate through the creative process.
VISION
Ignite the power of ALL youth to be the creative and collaborative innovators of tomorrow.
VALUES
- Collaboration
- Respect
- Stewardship
- Perseverance
- Integrity