Press Release: New York Destination Imagination Announces 2026 Tournaments
62 NYDI teams will compete in one of two regional events in STEAM–based educational program
Croton-on-Hudson, NY – February 4, 2026 – Destination Imagination of New York (NYDI) announced today the start of its 2026 tournament season. Increased charitable donations to NYDI have allowed the organization to expand Destination Imagination (DI), an international, project-based educational program, throughout the state including in New York City, and Allegany, Erie, Nassau, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. A total of 62 student teams will participate in one of two events.
- Western Regional Tournament: February 28, 2026, Clarence Middle School, Clarence Center, N.Y.
- Eastern Regional Tournament: March 7, 2026, Somers High School, Lincolndale, N.Y.
The events, which are open and free to the public, are the teams’ first opportunity to showcase their unique solutions to one of seven STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) challenges to a panel of Appraisers. Each team’s performance will be reviewed and scored, and the teams with the highest scores will qualify for the Affiliate Tournament on March 28, 2026, at SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton, N.Y. The results of the Affiliate Tournament will determine which teams advance to the Global Finals on May 21-24, 2026, in Kansas City, MO.
“The amazing thing about DI is that it supports kids as they challenge themselves to develop innovative, creative and extraordinary solutions, while also encouraging them to have fun doing it,” said Josh Diamond, Affiliate Director and Eastern Regional Director, NYDI. “It’s also rewarding to watch them translate these skills into future successes. Our Alumni have become leaders and innovators in arts, science, technology, public service, and more. They’re outstanding examples of what can be accomplished through the DI spirit of creativity, thoughtfulness, and teamwork.”
To learn more about NYDI, please visit us at https://www.nydi.org. For questions about the program, or to learn how to support NYDI through donations, grants, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Karen Pressman at [email protected].
About Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-led non-profit organization 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.
Destination Imagination has impacted more than one million students, been recognized by HundrED for child-centered learning, and is a recipient of the Montessori Global Education STAR Endorsement. To learn more, please visit http://destinationimagination.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Karen Haines Pressman
917-650-2159
[email protected]
