Dean Kamen with FIRST LEGO League students

Dean Kamen writes, in the Huffington Post, “Two decades ago, I founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a program that encouraged students to pursue careers in science and technology through robotics competitions. At that time, not many people believed that we could combine science education with the excitement of competitive sports. The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and … robots? Many thought it was impossible. However, 20 years after our first Championship in a high school gym in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST has grown into an international phenomenon. Tens of thousands will participate this year. Hundreds of thousands are alumni who currently fill the ranks of some of the best technology and engineering corporations, or have gone on to create their own innovative businesses.   FIRST continues to grow, and continues to inspire.”

Read the complete article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dean-kamen/robotics-and-athletics_b_839294.html