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FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that build not only science and technology skills and interests, but also self-confidence, leadership, and life skills.
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
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Dean Kamen
Founder, FIRST
Dean Kamen is the Founder of FIRST and President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation based in Manchester, NH. DEKA is a dynamic company focused on the development of revolutionary new technologies that span a diverse set of applications. As an inventor, physicist, and entrepreneur, Dean has dedicated his life to developing technologies that help people lead better lives. Some notable breakthrough medical devices include the HomeChoice® portable dialysis machine, marketed by Baxter Healthcare, and the Independence® IBOT® 4000 Mobility System, a sophisticated mobility aid, developed for Johnson & Johnson. Dean is also widely recognized as the inventor of the Segway® Human Transporter, which was designed to provide a clean alternative for short distance travel and enhance people's productivity. One of Dean's newest projects is a water purification system that is being designed to help provide clean drinking water to the estimated 1.1 billion of people in the world who lack access to clean water.
Among Dean's proudest accomplishments is founding FIRST. In 2007, its flagship program, the FIRST Robotics Competition, will reach more than 32,500 high-school students on 1,300 teams in 37 regional competitions. The FIRST Robotics Competition teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. In 1998, the FIRST LEGO League was created for children ages 9-14. Similar to the FIRST Robotics Competition, these young participants build a robot and compete in a friendly event designed for their age group. In the 2006 season, over 92,000 children in 45 countries will participate. FIRST also offers the Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds and the FIRST Vex Challenge, an intermediate robotics competition that offers high-school-aged students the traditional challenge of the FIRST Robotics Competition, but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit.
Mr. Kamen received the Heinz Award in Technology, the Economy and Employment (1998), the National Medal of Technology from President Clinton (2000), the Lemelson-MIT Prize (2002), and numerous honorary degrees. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005.
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