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STEM Is the Sport of the Future: Dean Kamen and FIRST Celebrate 36 Years of Impact

  • Writer: HYSKY Society
    HYSKY Society
  • Mar 31
  • 3 min read

On March 20th, 2025, FIRST® celebrated 36 years of inspiring young minds through the power of STEM. Founded in 1989 by legendary inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, FIRST has grown from a visionary concept into a global movement empowering youth to explore science, technology, engineering, and math—not as abstract subjects, but as exciting paths to change the world.


Dean Kamen, also named HYSKY Society’s Podcast Guest of the Year, shared a powerful message in honor of FIRST’s 36th birthday. “We’re not a science fair masquerading as a sport,” he said. “We are a sport—the only sport where every kid can turn pro.” Quoting Einstein, Kamen emphasized that while smart people solve problems, geniuses prevent them. That’s why FIRST exists: to give students a roadmap to do meaningful work in a fast-changing world that needs more engineers, scientists, and innovators.


The impact of FIRST is not only global, but deeply personal to many—especially for HYSKY Society, whose mission to decarbonize aviation through hydrogen aligns with FIRST’s belief that technology is the key to a better future. Through its programs like FIRST® LEGO® League, FIRST® Tech Challenge, and FIRST® Robotics Competition, students engage in real-world engineering while building skills, confidence, and vision for their futures.


And there’s no better way to witness the power of FIRST than by attending its flagship celebration: the 2025 FIRST® Championship, happening in Houston, April 16–19, 2025. This international event gathers top robotics teams from across the globe to compete, collaborate, and celebrate the possibilities of STEM.



The 2025 season theme, FIRST® DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, encourages participants to explore how STEM and creativity intersect to shape the world. The season culminates in the FIRST Championship—an unforgettable experience where innovation meets inspiration. Teams, sponsors, mentors, educators, and families are all invited to be part of this celebration.


This year, FIRST also continues its fundraising efforts with patches, socks, and a charity auction featuring unique items and contributions from partners like AndyMark, CrunchLabs, and LEGO® Education. Donations help students everywhere access the mentorship and resources they need to thrive.


Dean Kamen’s legacy is not just the technology he’s invented, but the ecosystem of creators, leaders, and changemakers he’s inspired. FIRST is the proving ground where future aerospace engineers, hydrogen propulsion experts, and sustainability champions get their start.


For more information


(Videos: Credit — FIRST®)


FAQ: FIRST® Robotics & Dean Kamen – A Beginner’s Guide

  1. What is FIRST®?

    1. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization founded by Dean Kamen that uses robotics competitions to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers.

  2. Who is Dean Kamen?

    1. Dean Kamen is an American inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology education. He is best known for founding FIRST and inventing devices like the Segway and the insulin pump.

  3. What is the mission of FIRST?

    1. The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting, mentor-guided STEM programs that build skills and confidence.

  4. What age groups can participate in FIRST programs?

    1. FIRST offers programs for students ages 4 to 18:

      1. FIRST® LEGO® League Discover & Explore (PreK–Grade 4)

      2. FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (Grades 4–8)

      3. FIRST® Tech Challenge (Grades 7–12)

      4. FIRST® Robotics Competition (High school)

  5. What makes FIRST different from a traditional science fair?

    1. FIRST is a team-based, sport-like competition where students design, build, and program robots to complete real-world challenges—with an emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and mentorship.

  6. What is the 2025 FIRST Championship?

    1. The 2025 FIRST® Championship is the culminating global event of the robotics season, taking place April 16–19, 2025, in Houston, Texas. It brings together top teams from around the world to compete and celebrate STEM innovation.

  7. How can students benefit from joining FIRST?

    1. Students in FIRST programs develop technical skills, teamwork, leadership, and real-world experience. Many go on to pursue STEM careers and receive college scholarships through the FIRST network.

  8. What are Dean Kamen’s contributions to education?

    1. Dean Kamen created FIRST to address the shortage of young people entering STEM fields. Through his advocacy and inventions, he has helped millions of students see STEM as an exciting path to impact the world.

  9. Can FIRST students really go “pro” in STEM?

    1. Yes! Unlike traditional sports, STEM fields are in high demand. Dean Kamen often says, “We’re the only sport where every kid can turn pro,” referring to the abundance of real-world careers available in science and engineering.

  10. How can I get involved with FIRST?

    1. You can get involved by starting a team, becoming a mentor, volunteering at events, sponsoring a program, or attending the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston. Visit www.firstinspires.org to learn more.


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