Destination Imagination is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators and creative problem solvers.
Today’s students will enter the workforce during a dynamic period in the global economy as advancements in science and technology disrupt nearly every industry, These future leaders will need to embody 21st century skills like collaboration, creativity and flexibility. At Destination Imagination, we design affordable project-based learning experiences that focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and help set students acquire the 21st century skills needed to thrive in school, careers and beyond.
More than 150,000 students worldwide participate in Destination Imagination programs. With your support, we can inspire and empower even more students across the globe who will help build a brighter future through teamwork, creativity and innovation.
2017 STATS
Thanks to our passionate, global network of volunteers, thousands of students from the U.S. and 30-plus countries had the opportunity to participate in the Destination Imagination Challenge Experience.
47 STATES
25 staff members
33 countries
35,000 volunteers
16,288 Teams
89,500 Participants
Team Counts by Country
GLOBAL FINALS 2017
More than 17,000 people gathered in Knoxville, Tennessee for the world’s largest celebration of creativity.
Global Finals Draws Record 1,470 Teams
In May 2017, a record 1,470 teams from 40 U.S. states and 17 countries competed at Global Finals 2017, making it the largest Global Finals event in Destination Imagination history. Teams showcased their innovative solutions in six different Team Challenge categories—Technical, Scientific, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Engineering and Service Learning. Thirty-one teams took first place.
Two New Affiliates Attend Global Finals
Destination Imagination is truly a global organization that keeps growing thanks in large part to our 38,000 volunteers worldwide. Teams from two new DI Affiliates—Hawaii and Australia—had the opportunity to participate in their first Global Finals tournament.
DI Launches Mobile Event App
Destination Imagination teamed up with Ford STEAM Experience to launch its first event app for Global Finals. More than 10,000 attendees used the app to view tournament schedules, keep track of their “must do” events, and even snap and share a custom selfie or two.
Sponsors & Exhibitors Inspire Innovation
At the Global Finals 2017 Innovation Expo, attendees had the opportunity to discover the best of what our collaborators, partners and sponsors have to offer. From aerospace adventures with NASA to robot races to hovercraft projects, students participated in the ultimate four-day STEAM exhibition.
Students Explore the Wonders of the Sun Thanks to NASA
At Global Finals 2017, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA SCaN teamed up for an all-new, hands-on experience that allowed students to creatively explore the wonders of the sun. Students had the opportunity to speak with NASA engineers and personnel, participate in a solar eclipse simulation, create their own satellite models, and use NASA SCaN’s 3-D PufferSphere to explore the Earth and beyond.
Participants Learn New Skills Through Our Workshops
From coding to crafting, students had the opportunity to learn new skills, express their creativity, and collaborate with students around the globe through more than 50 hands-on workshops offered onsite.
Thanks to Our sponsors
Through the generosity of our sponsors, we’re able to help fulfill our mission in teaching students the 21st century skills needed to thrive in school, careers and beyond.
Families Design Their Amazing Inventions, Inspired by Disney’s Moana
In October 2017, Disney teamed up with Destination Imagination for a special online Challenge, inspired by Disney’s Moana. Families were inspired to use their creativity and recyclable or reusable materials to build an invention that would help them on an imaginary journey.
Try DI Ford: Kids Work with Ford to Reimagine the Future of Driving
In May 2017, more than 700 kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley used their imagination and creativity to engineer a Ford Vehicle of the Future at the Try DI Outreach Challenge powered by Ford STEAM Experience event. Students worked together to design their prototypes and pitch their big ideas to a panel of experts.
Students Excel on Project Management Exam
DI teams were tasked with demonstrating their knowledge of project management through an online exam sponsored by the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Of the 260 teams that participated, 210 teams passed the exam with a 70-percent or higher and earned a digital badge, which can be shared with colleges and potential employers.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Our organization could not do what we do without the support of our nearly 40,000 volunteers worldwide. Thank you to all of our volunteers for your unwavering support and countless hours of work to make Destination Imagination happen for students around the world.
FINANCIALS
This has been an exciting year for the Destination Imagination organization. Thanks to the efforts and support of our volunteers, Affiliates, sponsors and staff, we were able to meet and exceed the goals we had for this year.
Click here to view our Financial Statements for the year.