In February 2021, Destination Imagination and Lumen Technologies launched a new STEM-based outreach program called the imagineXperience to help students living in underserved communities build the critical skill set they will need to thrive in the digital economy.
- Qualified teams used research, storytelling and technology to create a digital edutainment video.
- The project-based learning challenge introduced youth to different STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields and concepts as well as supported students’ social and emotional development and well-being during the global pandemic.
- Participation in the pilot program spanned three continents, with 671 participants in 111 student teams located in the U.S. (Colorado, Greater D.C. Metro Area and Texas), Canada (Yukon), Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Botswana and Zanzibar.
- More than 114 Lumen employees served as volunteers to provide feedback and help evaluate student projects.
“Through Lumen’s partnership, DI has been able to expand support for underserved students to gain the skills they will need for the future of work,” said Michele Tuck-Ponder, executive director of Destination Imagination. “The solutions that we’ve seen coming from all over the world have shown us that creativity and innovation have no boundaries. We can’t wait to see what these young people do next.”
As part of the program, Lumen provided funding to cover registration costs and other expenses to help teams overcome barriers to participation. More than 114 employees served as subject matter experts, reviewing team solutions and giving feedback to help students grow their confidence and interest in pursuing STEM careers.
“At Lumen we are dedicated to furthering human progress through technology, and our partnership with Destination Imagination gives students around the globe the opportunity to learn about new technology, and to gain the skills that will help them be successful and relevant in the future,” said Cynthia Stutsman, director of social responsibilities, Lumen. “It’s our responsibility to open doors to help kids learn about STEM, to help them be curious and to have fun in ways that can change the world.”
One team from each level was selected to receive the Make Amazing Happen Award, which is given to teams whose solutions exemplify Lumen’s core purpose of furthering human progress through technology. Those teams are:
Elementary Level
Team Roark from Winchester Public Schools, Greater D.C. USA
https://youtu.be/2LpCHWh0qyI
Middle Level
Rehnuma Team A2: Titans from Pakistan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bnVJwGgKxo
Senior Level
The Big Five from the Discovery Club Africa
https://youtu.be/_wEaZV_yrhw
Lumen and Destination Imagination, Inc. plan to continue its collaboration to bring The ImagineXperience to more teams in 2022. To learn more about the ImagineXperience program and how you can get the young people in your life involved, please visit: http://imaginexperience.org.
View the official press release on PR Newswire.
