Destination ImagiNation is a kids' careers program that has been around for 25 years. It fosters development in teamwork, creative problem solving, and innovation.  According to Ginger Geen, a colleague [who used to work in recruiting with Abbott Labs and now volunteers and consults with the not-for-profit],

 

"It's global, works almost entirely with a volunteer network of around 45,000, and is based on some very solid research, theory, and an educational foundation. The American Dairy Council, 3M, SciFi Channel, and AEM (The Association of Equipment Manufacturers) are big sponsors, and there are quite a few local ones.

The real story Ginger wanted to share began when "a representative from AEM (John Deere, Cummins, Komatsu, Caterpillar, Case, lots of others) came to the DI Global Finals competition awhile back and saw the relationship Destination ImagiNation has with kids.  Facing a severe talent shortage in the Construction industry, AEM launched an initiative with DI called the Construction Challenge.

 

It's a hands-on competitive challenge for high school students that started with 36 teams at each of 5 regional rallies that wound up with the top 50 teams competing in Las Vegas at CONEXPO-CONAG--the largest trade show on the planet."

 

Ginger went on to share recent results,

 

"Last year's event was spectacular! Participating students saw the breadth and magnitude of the construction industry - its careers and practitioners at their best.  Industry folks saw what these fantastic and innovative kids were capable of.  Teachers, parents, and team coaches were flabbergasted all the way around, and many communities and their infrastructure officials got pulled into the excitement for real impact.  I got to interview team managers at the event, and they've never seen their kids so motivated about anything to this degree.  As a former staffing person---I LOVE THIS!" Ginger concluded.

Apparently last year's event was so successful that they're coming back for more... with an expanded approach.  There will be 15 regional rallies this year. The competitions are now open to middle schoolers in addition to high schoolers.  The event finals will be held at the same time as the Destination ImagiNation Global Finals at the University of Tennessee.

 

Ginger needs some help though- "We have Program Coordinators working on recruiting fabulous folks for the contract regional rally leader positions.  We've got a few more to fill in Seattle, Phoenix, Kansas City, Charlotte (NC), Oklahoma City/Tulsa, Toronto, and Boston.  We're scrambling to get these filled and get the rally planning off and running.  The positions are paid (well, you gotta really want to do this...); responsibilities run from now through mid February, and we have a teeny staff to tackle the recruiting, but it's a wonderfully rewarding and fun experience."