About Us

Our Mission

NYC FIRST inspires and empowers students from diverse communities across New York City to engage with STEM and robotics in meaningful and joyful ways. We create authentic learning experiences that encourage young people to think critically and creatively, and persevere. NYC FIRST is investing in New York City’s future by preparing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Why we exist

STEM education opens doors to fulfilling learning experiences and careers, but too many of New York City’s youth don’t have access to engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics resources. Without meaningful opportunities to discover and apply STEM, they don’t pursue it in school or professionally.


  • Many schools don’t have the resources to offer STEM education that both inspires students to pursue these fields in college and prepares them to meet benchmark qualifications.


  • To enter and succeed in the STEM job market, young people need to build technical skills and life skills, like working in teams, leadership, respect and empathy.


  • Women, people of color, and students from low-income communities in the US are under-represented in STEM industries. We create awareness of the opportunities STEM offers and access to support to pursue STEM careers.

Impact

We provide the spark that leads to a lifetime love of STEM. Every student in our programs finds building blocks of confidence and character necessary to succeed in any field and career they choose.

Get Involved

All young New Yorkers deserve access to inspiring STEM education and the opportunities that come with it. People like you are creating pathways to a future where STEM leaders reflect the diversity—and excellence—of our city. There are lots of ways to get involved:

Donate Today

FRC Alumni and FRC student looking at a robot