Segway inventor Dean Kamen, a Long Island native, steps down from FIRST board over Epstein ties

Local organizers of the popular FIRST robotics youth competitions were left reeling after the resignation of the group's founder over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, followed quickly by the news that its longtime partnership with Lego Education would end next year.

It was not immediately clear whether the two developments were related. But volunteers expressed concern over the double blow, announced the same month that students from across Long Island gathered in Hempstead for the organization's regional contest.

John Zaher, a spokesman for the volunteer-run affiliate FIRST Long Island, said in a statement the group was "shocked and dismayed" to learn of founder Dean Kamen’s connection to Epstein.

The group, based in Hauppauge, held more than 20 events this year, Zaher said. Its regional competition was held at Hofstra University from March 18 to 21.

Long Island volunteers "continue to focus on the programs and the kids," he said. "We thank the many mentors and volunteers who have remained dedicated to the mission and who continue to inspire us every day."

'Errors in judgment'

FIRST announced on March 11 that Kamen, a Long Island native, was voluntarily stepping down from the group’s board of directors. The internationally known inventor "acknowledged errors in judgment" in associating with Epstein, though an independent review found "no evidence of misconduct" by Kamen, board chair Laurie Leshin said in a statement.

Kamen continued to spend time with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution, including during a 2013 visit to Epstein’s island in the Caribbean, records released by the U.S. Department of Justice show.

The 74-year-old Kamen started tinkering as a child in Rockville Centre, and went on to invent a groundbreaking insulin pump, a portable dialysis machine and a wheelchair that can climb stairs, as well as the Segway scooter. He is among the most prominent figures in the world of STEM, making news for buying an island in Long Island Sound and jokingly seceding from the United States.

He founded FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, in 1989 to inspire students to learn about science and technology. He has said robots "are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills" and gain "a sense that they can create their own future."

Kamen and New Hampshire-based FIRST Robotics did not respond to requests for comment.

Lego partnership ending

FIRST runs three programs for students in kindergarten through high school, with a Lego-branded program for the youngest students.

The organization announced on March 19 Lego Education had opted not to renew its partnership agreement with FIRST and the 2026-27 season would be their last.

"We are excited about this next chapter and the opportunities ahead for our valued students, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters worldwide," chief operating officer Chris Rake said in a statement. "In the coming months, we will share additional information and opportunities for the community to learn more."

Lego Education did not respond to questions about whether the end of its relationship with FIRST was related to Kamen’s Epstein ties. The company provides software, educational guides and building materials.

In a statement, the company said it "can’t share more details yet" about its plans but it looks forward "to bringing fun, inspiring and creative STEM learning and the important skills it develops to even more children in the future."

The company ended its relationship with another group, the World Robot Olympiad, after 2024.

The end of the Lego partnership is "disappointing," said Robin Wilensky, a computer science teacher in Nassau County who volunteered with FIRST Long Island when her daughter was in elementary and middle school and took part in the Lego-themed program. Lego was "just such a draw to get kids into robotics, because everybody loves Lego," she said.

Wilensky said her daughter no longer takes part in FIRST programs, "but she's still taking computer science classes, and it's just been a really great experience for our family."

The FIRST program teaches students strong values, as well as skills in STEM fields, research and presentation, and it helps them earn college scholarships, said Dominick Ferone, 30, who first got involved with FIRST Long Island when he was growing up in Plainview and continues to volunteer as a mentor.

Kamen’s resignation "needed to happen, just to help not tarnish the name of the program," Ferone said. Volunteers, he said, "are involved in the community, helping to inspire the next generation of kids."