Welcome to MN DI

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON

Dear MN DI Family,

Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth, MN has proudly supported creative problem-solving opportunities for Minnesota youth since 1983 — first through Odyssey of the Mind and then Destination Imagination (DI) beginning in 1990. Over the past 40+ years, the District has helped thousands of students and families across the state explore creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

Due to changes in education funding and evolving post-pandemic priorities, District 287 will be refocusing its resources. As of July 31, 2025, MN DI will be on a hiatus as we undergo a period of reorganization. During this time, we willl be actively seeking a new sponsor and developing a refreshed Affiliate structure.

Here’s the exciting news: our fantastic neighbors at Wisconsin Destination Imagination (WIDI) will welcome Minnesota teams into their Northwest Region, with a tournament on Saturday, February 28 in Hudson, WI. We are incredibly grateful to WIDI for stepping in with open arms. They are a top-notch Affiliate with a strong, supportive community, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner.

So, jump in and think big for the new season!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Business continues as usual! Anyone interested in participating in the 2025–26 DI Challenge Experience can purchase team numbers through DI, Inc. Minnesota teams will continue to receive numbers with the familiar 123- prefix, designating them as MN teams.
• Costs remain the same as the 2024–25 season:
  • Team number = $165
  • Tournament fee for Minnesota teams = $175
• WIDI will provide a robust season of virtual training and support for new and returning Team Managers, along with coaching, themed virtual gatherings, and more. See their calendar here.
• Minnesota teams will perform at the WIDI Northwest Regional tournament in on February 28, 2026 in Hudson, WI. Travel times for most teams should remain reasonable.
• Registration will take place through RegisterYourTeam as usual. Minnesota teams will perform and be scored as if at their own Affiliate tournament —ranked separately from WI teams and eligible to advance to Global Finals, just as before.
• WIDI would love to have MN DI alumni, former team managers, challenge masters, and appraisers support the Northwest Regional tournament. Registration will take place through RegisterYourTeam as usual. We will reach out with an invitation later this fall.
• The MN DI website will be regularly updated throughout the season to mirror the WIDI website.
• Please contact WIDI co-Affiliate Directors with any questions:
  Mary Bykowski – mary.bykowski@wisconsindi.org
  Mikaela Becker – mikaela.becker@wisconsindi.org
• I will be working with WIDI, and you will see your familiar MN Challenge Masters at the tournament in Hudson.
• We are still finalizing details and will share updates throughout the season via the WIDI website.
• The DI Challenge Experience is open to everyone — public, private and charter schools, homeschool groups, neighborhoods, faith communities, and organizations like Scouts, 4-H, and Boys & Girls Clubs. And remember, you can still engage with DI virtually through the Team Film Challenge and SkillFire, no matter where you are. Learn more at destinationimagination.org.

Leading MN DI has been one of the great honors of my life. I treasure the friendships and incredible community we’ve built together. Our shared commitment to empowering young people through hands-on learning, exploring creativity, and big ideas continues to inspire me.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. I hope our paths cross again soon.

Warmly,

Pamela
PAFSchroeder@gmail.com
612-382-4068

Join Us in Building What Comes Next! Here is your invitation – read this!

What’s coming up?

• • Big news: DI is thrilled to be one of only 14 educational innovations selected from a pool of 212 applicants for the 2025 HundrED Spotlight on Child-Centered Learning, and the STAR Endorsement from Montessori Global Education. Learn more about it here!
  • Check out the 25-26 Challenge previews!
  • DI’s Team Number cost is $165 for the 2025-26 Challenge season. Volume discounts are also available. Learn more on DI’s Pricing page.
  • See DI’s Start A Team page to get going for the 2025-26 Season! You can share the Start a Team flyer to help you hit the ground running.
  • DI offers monthly introductory webinars, also available for download. MN DI also offers customized in person and virtual introductions to DI, at your request
  • Check out these marketing materials for some great resources that can be printed/shared with parents/volunteers/educators.

MN DI is proud to offer DI’s flagship STEAM program, the world’s premier creative competition, the Challenge Experience. We welcome all learners from any community to join us! There are so many ways kids can extend learning beyond the classroom, while they exercise their curiosity, creativity, confidence, and build skills with our DI Challenges. Team Numbers and background checks are available to purchase, and Challenges and support materials can be downloaded now for anyone who has purchased a Team Number. Head on over to the What We Do tab to read more!

Details about the season can be seen at www.wisconsindi.org. Check out the interactive virtual workshops, trainings and communications that will keep the fun going throughout the season.

MN DI is grateful to all our participants! Call or email to learn how you can join!

Pamela, MN DI Affiliate Director
PAFSchroeder@gmail.com, 612-382-4068

Questions about MN DI? Please contact Pamela Schroeder 

About Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination (DI) is a global educational nonprofit whose purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. The organization is a leader in project-based learning experiences, where students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and service learning Challenges and then present their solutions at tournaments. Since its founding in 1999, Destination Imagination has impacted more than one million students. To learn more, please visit www.destinationimagination.org.

Learn more about our Vision, Mission and the Principles guiding our work.