Can the man who invented the insulin pump, the iBOT wheelchair, and the insulin pump still be alive? “Luke Arm”Protheses can end the debate about America’s competitive advantage in science, technology engineering, and math (STEM).

Inventor, not-for-profit FIRSTDean Kamen, founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is a man who is always trying. This can be seen by the many children who have overcome hundreds of competition challenges through his organization. It’s no surprise that FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) kids and their robots were invited to the White House Science Fair multiple times. They also received investment money from ABC’s Shark Tank for their invention.

Why robotics?

“Robotics is the 21st-century sport for the mind,” says Kamen. “If we want kids to study STEM, we need to show them that these fields are just as accessible, fun and rewarding as playing sports. And it’s the one sport where everyone can turn pro.”

This is evident in the U.S. data from the Program for International Student Assessment. It shows how U.S. students compare to those in 65 industrialized countries.

* 31st in math.

* 23rd in science.

Look at the FIRST students. The FIRST program is for children aged 6-18. They take on robotics challenges, invent programs, and increase their problem-solving and leadership skills.

Students at the White House Science Fair were honored by President Obama for their innovative ideas. Parker Owen was one of the honored participants. His invention, the Cycle-Leg, is an affordable prosthetic made from one recycled bicycle.

“For all of the problems in the world, FIRST to me is a solution. They are shaping and encouraging the next generation to be contributors rather than consumers,” Owen says.

U.S. businesses also rely on the organization to help them build a workforce of innovative problem-solvers. The company has more than 3,500 corporate sponsors including United Technologies, Google, Qualcomm, and Qualcomm.

Here’s the best: FIRST provides more than $20,000,000 in scholarships. It’s not surprising that almost 10% of the 2013 entering freshmen class at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology was made up of its alumni.

“FIRST isn’t just a robotics program, it’s a life-changing experience,”Emily Stern is a student at MIT in mechanical engineering.

Visit this site for more information www.usfirst.org.