The recent global pandemic exacerbated the disparities between affluent and underserved communities as many students have struggled to continue meaningful learning activities because of limited access to key resources like hardware, internet and in-person instruction. That is why DI has created this digital challenge designed to inspire teams of K-12 students to collaborate and learn new skills.
Interested schools, community organizations and other direct provider organizations apply to be vetted through Destination Imagination, Inc. Once approved, organizations gain access to the challenge materials and training as well as a support stipend to pay for materials. Adult leaders lead their team through the challenge experience and teams submit their solutions to be evaluated by volunteer experts recruited by DI. Teams receive feedback and exceptional solutions may receive special awards and other prizes.
Participating teams build increased knowledge of, and interest in, STEAM learning and improve STEAM career readiness as well as exploring and exercising their SEL skills. Specifically, qualified teams will use research, storytelling and technology to create a digital edutainment video.
DI measures these expected outcomes through pre- and post- experience surveys of participants and adult facilitators and refines the experience for future participants based on survey results.
Destination Imagination, Inc. piloted this program, with the help of Lumen Technologies, across the United States, Canada, and around the world. 150 teams (1,000+ students and educators) were given the opportunity to participate at no cost and had access to additional support grants to cover additional and unforeseen costs that often inhibit communities from participating fully in experiences like this.
Preliminary results from teams have been overwhelmingly positive and those who have participated have said that being able to collaborate and create together, even during the pandemic has been transformative for their SEL and other skills.
Through additional support, DI and Lumen are planning on expanding the ImagineXperience to more communities in the next 2-3 years or 25,000+ students.
If you serve students living in underserved communities and would like to bring the imagineXperience to them, please visit https://www.imaginexperience.org/eligibility to review your eligibility and fill out an interest form. You can also email askDI@DIHQ.org for more information as well. For more information on Destination Imagination, Inc. visit https://www.destinationimagination.org