Destination Imagination Celebrates its 30th Anniversary at Global Finals

CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destination Imagination, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the global community by providing opportunities for learners of all ages, will celebrate its 30th Anniversary at Global Finals, the world's largest creative thinking and problem solving competition for kids May 22-25. With a record setting 1,419 qualifying teams, participants from 42 states and 14 countries, will travel to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/DC05048LOGO)

With more than 15,000 teams competing at the regional Destination Imagination Challenge tournaments throughout the year, only the top teams received a coveted spot at Global Finals. During the week-long competition, these teams will present their regional project and compete in open-ended challenges. These challenges require the team to solve a problem using a holistic approach of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge, improvisation, theater arts, writing, project management, communication innovation, teamwork and community service, in one of seven challenge categories. 

"Every year I look forward to seeing the top teams enthusiastically use their reasoning, problem solving skills, courage to take a risk, and perseverance to solve their Challenge," said Chuck Cadle, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Imagination, Inc. "Since the beginning, we've been able to give these students a once in a lifetime experience where they learn 21st century skills that will be used throughout their life."

"Destination Imagination's Global Finals event is a fantastic exhibition of the 4Cs of Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking in action. We are proud to count DI among members of P21, and celebrate their efforts to bring the power of creativity to students around the globe," said Dr. Steve Paine, President of Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21).

Along with competition challenges, keynote speakers and social events, Global Finals will offer an interactive glimpse at the future of technology at the Innovation Expo. This year's Expo will feature 23 hands on activities that include: 

• 3M celebrates innovation with three activities:
  • 3M Explore The Uncharted allows teams to race through an underwater adventure as they uncover clues, discover marine life and hunt for hidden treasures. Students will apply their Science and Engineering skills as they learn about the effects that plastic pollution has on the sustainability of our oceans.
  • 3M Duct Tape Playground is an area where the students will be able to use the newest patterned duct tape by making a craft or participating in the Tape-by-Numbers mural.
  • 3M Racing is giving students the opportunity to experience their custom wrapped NASCAR car.
• NASCAR's STEM Initiative - Ten80 Student Racing Challenge is a project-based STEM curriculum, and optional competition league helping students to understand STEM subjects and careers.
• National Geographic, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the National Geographic Society, will feature an exhibition of the wackiest, weirdest true facts about the animal world as well as launching an attempt at breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of nature photos.
• Hitachi will have demonstrations allowing participants to use a tabletop scanning electron microscope to observe everyday objects around them such as fibers, plastic, plants, and insects.
• Data Wind is sharing how to create a more connected world through internet access devices with affordable internet connectivity by providing the U.S.'s first pre-view of the world's least expensive tablet.

To find information on all of the exhibits, visit www.globalfinals.org/expo/2013-exhibitors.

Influencing Millions
Since its inception 30 years ago, Destination Imagination has impacted more than 1.5 million young people, who have gone on to attend top tiered universities, receive national awards, and launch successful careers in the arts like Chris Colfer from Glee and Zac Efron from High School Musical, and science and math like Dr. Kristen Jerger, patent holder for a surgical aspirator. Beyond impacting participants, Destination Imagination Global Finals has been a major economic contributor to Knoxville and the surrounding communities. Every May, for the past eight years, the event has contributed $20 million annually to the local economy.

"The city of Knoxville and the surrounding areas are proud to welcome Destination Imaginations Global Finals participants to our town," said Madeline Rogero, Mayor of Knoxville. "It is our honor for the past eight years to be able to host students from across the United States and the world who showcase their excitement and knowledge in this educational challenge program."

"I'd like to personally welcome all the Destination Imagination Global Finals participants and their families to Knox County," said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. "Our community is excited to host this competition, and we applaud the program's extraordinary students for their creative thinking and problem solving skills."

DI-TV – Sharing the Excitement with Those Unable to Attend
For those unable to attend Global Finals, they will be able to view a livestream of the opening and closing ceremonies on DI-TV, sponsored by IBM. Throughout the week, DI-TV will broadcast student reporter interviews, footage from the tournament and Innovation Expo, information about upcoming events, sponsor and partner interviews, and educator interviews at www.globalfinals.org.

About Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps children discover their creative processes. The most popular education offering is the Challenge Program, where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Founded in 1982, Destination Imagination has impacted more than a million students. To learn more, please visit http://www.globalfinals.org.

About Partnership for 21st Century Skills
As a catalyst organization in the 21st Century Skills Movement, P21 works with education leaders, the business community, and state and federal policymakers to ensure that the U.S. education system equips students with rigorous content knowledge and the skills they need for college, career, and citizenship.

SOURCE Destination Imagination