Founded by Dean Kamen, and co-founded by Woodie Flowers, the mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.These are the skills of tomorrow. FIRST strives to engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society. This encourages colleges to take a look at your child and grow an interest in the student. Additionally, FIRST supports that people of all backgrounds join, encouraging diversity in STEM and STEM careers. ​FIRST is currently active in over 50 countries and has over 400,000 participants.