Destination Imagination

Today, Michigan Destination Imagination, in partnership with Wayne State University College of Engineering, hosted the Detroit DI Regional Showcase—a day all about innovation, creativity, and learning! Unlike traditional DI tournaments, this non-competitive showcase gave 31 student teams from Detroit Public Schools Community District, plus pilot programs from Pontiac School District and Grosse Pointe Public School System, the chance to present their work in different ways—whether with full challenge solutions with props, simple demonstrations, or even ideas still in progress. Students also stretched their quick-thinking and problem-solving skills in Instant Challenge workshops and explored hands-on creative play activities with the City of Detroit Government. These students participate in Destination Imagination through school-day makerspaces and STEM afterschool clubs, building critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will serve them for life. Today was a celebration of creativity, growth, and discovery—a chance for students to showcase their progress, reflect on their journey, and push their skills even further. ?? Huge shoutout to all the students, educators, and partners making this possible! #CreativeProcess #STEM #STEAM #DestinationImagination #DetroitInnovation #FutureReady

???? It’s a BIG day for creativity! ???? Today, we have 13 Destination Imagination tournaments happening around the globe! ???? From California to the Cayman Islands, teams will bring their boldest ideas to life. Good luck to all of the teams competing today—this is your moment to shine! ? #DestinationImagination #ChallengeExperience #STEAMeducation #Creativity #Teamwork #Innovation #PBL #SEL

How do we inspire the next generation to think beyond themselves and take action? At Destination Imagination (DI), we believe the answer lies in creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Take the Curbside Chickens, a middle school DI team from La Plata, MD, whose Service Learning project is making a real difference. ???? Last season, they dedicated their project to supporting first responders. When they asked how they could expand their impact, one answer stood out: help veterans. Their research led them to Hero Dogs, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities in the DC Metro area. ????? Determined to help, they created an Amazon wish list, engaged their community, and collected 492 rolls of paper towels and Clorox wipes—enough to fill two vans! ???? When they delivered the donations, they got to meet Hero Dogs’ dedicated staff and even two of the incredible dogs in training. Seeing firsthand how these service animals change lives left a lasting impact on the team, and they’re already thinking about how to contribute again next year. Beyond their service project, the team is preparing for their DI tournament, where they’ll showcase their work through storytelling, technical innovation, and problem-solving. They’ve also embraced DI’s emphasis on resourcefulness—turning practice sessions into hands-on challenges, building inventions from recycled materials, and even creating a working solar oven from a cardboard box and tinfoil to roast s’mores in the front yard. ???? Their story is a powerful reminder that when young people are given the tools to innovate and lead, they don’t just imagine a better world—they build it. #DestinationImagination #SocialImpact #ServiceLearning #Innovation #FutureLeaders

When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, many families lost everything—including their beloved pets. In response, a group of middle school students from Heritage Middle School, known as The Pawfessionals, turned their STEAM project for Destination Imagination into a mission of compassion and action. Through a school-wide awareness campaign, they collected 1,300+ pounds of pet food, raised $300, and are helping to find forever homes for displaced animals at Misfit Mountain, a rescue shelter in Haywood County. Their initiative included an interactive adoption display, QR codes linking to available pets, and a strategic push on social media and local news outlets. Now, they’re preparing to showcase their project at their upcoming Destination Imagination tournament in March, demonstrating how creativity, teamwork, and innovation can make a real-world impact. ?? Read more about their incredible efforts: https://hubs.la/Q035_r7d0 #DestinationImagination #CreativityInAction #FutureLeaders #MakingADifference

We’re excited to announce our partnership with OK YOU, an organization dedicated to empowering teens to transform their mental health experiences into positive action. With 40% of teens experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, it’s more important than ever to support student mental wellbeing. Through this new educational alliance, DI and OK YOU will share resources that help students build resilience, connect with others, and express themselves in a positive and inclusive environment. ?? Team Managers: Gain access to creative exercises from OK YOU that foster teamwork and well-being. ?? OK YOU Participants: Take on DI Instant Challenges to boost creativity and problem-solving. ?? High School Students: Submit your innovative idea to the OK Challenge: Get Creative for Mental Health by March 31 for a chance to be featured in an e-book & win cash prizes! Learn more about our partnership with OK YOU ?? https://hubs.ly/Q0354h5x0 #DestinationImagination #OKYOU #mentalhealthmatters #youthsupport #creativity

Join us this May in Kansas City, MO, and be part of the world’s largest celebration of student creativity and innovation! We're looking for dedicated volunteers to support roles like Team Challenge Appraisers, Prop Storage Managers, and more. Ready to inspire? Learn more and apply! ?? https://hubs.la/Q032JY4K0 #GlobalFinals2025 #DestinationImagination #VolunteersNeeded

Are you passionate about coding and creating impactful digital experiences? ?? We’re looking for a Full Stack Developer to join the Destination Imagination team! Learn more and apply ?? https://hubs.la/Q032-F2R0 #DestinationImagination #Hiring #FullStackDeveloper

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader who championed equality, justice, and the power of community. His dream continues to inspire us, but there’s still work to do to build a brighter, more inclusive future. Let’s carry his message forward by embracing courage, unity, and action to create lasting change. ? #MLKDay #Diversity #Equality #Inclusion #Belonging #Community

We are thrilled to welcome Morgan Kryzanek to our DEIB Committee! ?? Morgan brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to DI, having participated in the Improv Challenge for seven years as a student, followed by roles as an Appraiser and Challenge Master. Morgan’s commitment to fostering inclusive and innovative spaces extends beyond DI. During a two-year internship with the Neville Public Museum, Morgan: ??? Designed interactive exhibits to make learning engaging for diverse student audiences. ?? Advocated for cultural inclusion by creating trilingual exhibit labels to reflect Green Bay’s Hmong and Hispanic communities. ?? Expanded holiday displays to represent Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid, and St. Lucia, ensuring all visitors felt seen and valued. Morgan’s passion for DEIB work is rooted in personal experience: "Growing up with a single mom, Destination Imagination was the place where I truly felt at home—a space that gave me structure, creativity, and belonging during a time when I needed it most. I want to ensure every child, no matter their background, has the same opportunity to feel represented, supported, and encouraged to thrive." We are thrilled to have Morgan’s creativity, leadership, and dedication to equity on our team. Please join us in welcoming Morgan to the DEIB Committee! ???? #DEIB #InclusionMatters #DestinationImagination

We are thrilled to welcome Carrie Hefner, an accomplished educator and dedicated Destination Imagination leader, to our DEIB Committee! ?? Carrie brings 16 years of experience as a Team Manager, having supported approximately 75 DI teams, and has served as the Regional Director for East Texas DI for the past six years. Beyond her roles in DI, Carrie is a passionate teacher, Gifted and Talented (GT) Director, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) sponsor, and ESL Director in a small rural school district. As an ESL Director, Carrie fosters inclusive environments where ESL students feel represented, respected, and valued. She also builds strong relationships with parents, encouraging their active involvement in the school community. Carrie shared, “I live in a very conservative rural area and see many of my students struggling to find a place in society. If I can help even one child find equality and belonging, then I have improved the world we live in.” Carrie’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, combined with her extensive experience in education, makes her an invaluable addition to the DEIB Committee. Please join us in welcoming Carrie to the team! ???? #DEIB #InclusionMatters #DestinationImagination