“Because of DI, I’m not afraid to try new things!” –Harlie, Wisconsin Destination Imagination participant
Today’s students are learning more than ever—but learning isn’t limited to textbooks and tests. Enter Wisconsin Destination Imagination (DI), a one-of-a-kind extracurricular activity for students in grades K–12 that perfectly complements school curricula by reinforcing critical skills in a dynamic, hands-on way.
Whether students are exploring literature, math, science, or the arts during the school day, DI gives them the chance to put that knowledge to work in the real world—creatively and collaboratively.
In DI, teams of 2–7 students work together over a period of several months to solve an open-ended, STEAM-based challenge. Then they present their challenge solutions at tournaments. Along the way, they learn valuable skills in teamwork and collaboration, creative and critical thinking, time and resource management, and communication. They also gain self-confidence as they learn how to persist through setbacks. These are exactly the kinds of skills that educators and employers say are essential for success in school and in life.
Real-World Learning That Builds on School Subjects
At first glance, Destination Imagination may look like a fun after-school program filled with costumes, cardboard creations, and a lot of laughter (which it is!). But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find academic connections at every turn:
- Science & Engineering: Technical and Scientific Challenges encourage students to experiment, test hypotheses, and build functional devices—just like in the classroom, but with more freedom and flair.
- Math & Logic: From budgeting and time management to measurements and structure stability, DI teams apply practical math to solve complex problems.
- Language Arts: Storytelling and improvisational Challenges allow students to explore narrative structure, vocabulary, and performance—all in their own words.
- Visual & Performing Arts: Many Challenges include set design, costumes, props, and acting—helping students express ideas artistically while practicing public speaking and collaboration.
A Bridge Between School and the “Real World”
Think of Destination Imagination as a lab for life skills. Students are challenged to create solutions under constraints—limited time, budget, and materials. It mirrors real-world scenarios while giving students the freedom to try, fail, adapt, and succeed.
“There is no other program like it! DI provides kids an opportunity to be creative, independent, and get out of their comfort zone to learn new skills & grow. My kids showed more confidence & resilience after being in DI… and they had fun, too!” – Wisconsin Parent
Unlike classroom assignments, there’s no “right answer.” Teams must generate original solutions—teaching initiative, ownership, and problem-solving in a way that’s hard to replicate in traditional academic settings.
DI teams can form and meet at a school, in a homeschool group, the community, or through a youth-focused after-school organization.
Supported by Educators & Parents, Loved by Students
Parents, teachers, and administrators actively support DI because they see how it strengthens classroom learning. Students become more engaged, curious, and confident—traits that carry back into their daily academic work and activities they engage in after school.
And students? They love it. DI gives them a place to explore their interests, lead projects, and be themselves—without the pressure of grades or competition for perfection.
When students apply what they learn in and out of school to solve imaginative, team-based Challenges, the knowledge sticks. They don’t just memorize—they internalize. That’s what makes Wisconsin Destination Imagination such a valuable extracurricular activity.
It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s educational. And best of all—it prepares students for whatever comes next.
Ready to bring DI to your school or community? Want more information about getting your student involved? Visit https://wisconsindi.org/parents/ or reach out via email at [email protected] or call/text 414-207-4117.
