Our STEAM-based Challenges are open-ended and enable students to learn and experience the creative process while fostering their creativity, curiosity and courage.
WHO
Destination Imagination (DI) is open to all kindergarten through university level students worldwide. Students form teams of up to 7 members, select their preferred Challenge and work together to develop a solution to the Challenge. Each team has at least one Team Manager (often a parent or teacher) who helps keep the team on track, but does not assist or interfere with the team’s solution.
In this video, hear from some of our volunteers on why being a Team Manager is so important for kids and such a valuable experience for adults.
WHAT
WHEN
Each season takes place during the school year, with new Challenges being released on August 1. Teams typically spend 2 to 4 months developing and rehearsing their Challenge solutions. Teams compete with their solutions at local tournaments, many of which take place between February and April* (more specific tournament information will be available here by November). If teams qualify at their regional and state/country level tournaments, they are invited to showcase at Global Finals—the world’s largest celebration of student creativity—in May.
*Please note that some tournaments outside the U.S. may take place as early as November.
WHERE
The DI Challenge Experience operates in 45 states and 30 countries. It can be run as an after-school program or incorporated into a school’s curriculum. Students may also participate in DI on homeschool, club or independent teams. Team Challenge solutions are assessed at regional, state or country tournaments, where teams celebrate creativity and innovation with their peers. Each season, nearly 40,000 dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers help run 200+ DI tournaments around the world.
WHY
At Destination Imagination, we believe that when an educational experience is hands-on, collaborative and fun, students are empowered and excited to take their learning to the next level. That’s why we’re committed to providing a supportive environment where participants grow in their social-emotional abilities and develop skills that will enrich their lives for years to come. Our Challenges complement what students learn in school, helping them improve in creative and critical thinking, problem solving, project management and more—essential skills needed to thrive in school, careers and beyond.
In this video, hear how the DI Challenge Experience changes the lives of its participants.
HOW
Chances are, there’s a group of enthusiastic would-be-DIers in your area who are just missing one thing—you! If you’re an adult DI alum looking to give back, a parent in search of new ways to inspire your kids’ curiosity, or an educator who’s passionate about project-based learning, these steps will help you START A TEAM TODAY:
- Gather a group of 2-7 students who are ready to make new friends, explore new possibilities and learn new skills through Destination Imagination. View age/grade requirements and other info on our Start a Team page.
- Talk to the principal, superintendant or parent-teacher association at your child’s school about adopting DI as an after-school program. Check out our Marketing Materials for help with these conversations. Homeschool, club and independent teams are also welcome!
- Purchase your Team Number from ShopDI for $105**. This gains you access to downloadable versions of the Team Challenges, our training materials and online resources, and more to get you and your team started.
**Please note that per our Challenges, each team is allotted a budget (typically $150-200) for the materials that appear in its solution—your team is responsible for supplying or fundraising that budget. Your local Affiliate may also collect fees to help cover tournament and program costs, and should your team qualify for Global Finals, registration and travel expenses are additional. - Get ready to enjoy a front row seat to your team’s creative journey! Successful Team Managers take on many roles (mentor, friend, educator, facilitator and more!) as they guide their teams through the process of solving a DI Challenge. Check out the Top 10 Team Manager Duties, as seen by a DI alumnus and long-time volunteer.
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