The Lemelson Foundation celebrates and supports inventors and entrepreneurs in order to strengthen social and economic life. It uses its resources to recognize and celebrate accomplished inventors, to mentor young people and support their scientific curiosity and innovative spirit, and to research and disseminate information and technologies that enhance lives and elucidate the societal value of invention. To date the Foundation has donated or committed more than $110 million in support of its mission in the U.S. and developing countries.

International Program - through initiatives in developing countries, this recently launched program will support grassroots innovators, as well as foster and apply innovative and entrepreneurial breakthroughs that serve people and the environment.

Lemelson-MIT Program, sponsor of the prestigious $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize, is an invention awards and advocacy initiative based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History provides educational and outreach science and invention programs for adults and students, including the Hands On Science Center—the premier interactive science center in the country.

Lemelson Assistive Technology Development Center at Hampshire College offers experiential education in design, invention and entrepreneurship through the use of assistive technology and universal design.

The Lemelson Center at the University of Nevada, Reno inspires innovation and entrepreneurship in the study of engineering.

National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance supports teams of faculty and students working to advance the teaching of invention and innovation in American higher education.

MITE2S (Minority Introduction to Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Science) is an MIT-based program that introduces promising minority teens to engineering, science and entrepreneurship.

A-MAN: The African-American Male Achiever's Network, Inc. The Foundation provides support to this organization in Los Angeles County that encourages minority children to develop interest and skills in math, science and business.

The Lemelson Foundation was founded by one of the most prolific U.S. inventors, Jerome Lemelson, and his wife Dorothy in 1993. Mr. Lemelson holds over 575 U.S. patents for inventions ranging from key components for the fax machine, VCR and cordless telephone to automated manufacturing systems. Mrs. Lemelson is the Chair and President of the Lemelson Foundation.

For more on The Foundation and its programs, please visit the Lemelson Foundation at www.lemelson.org.