Situated in the Media Wing of the historic Andrew Freedman Home, the NYC FIRST STEM Center sits inside a landmark 1920s building originally created as a retirement home for people who had lost their fortunes. Today, the Andrew Freedman Home has been reimagined as a community arts and events hub—an inspiring setting that blends Bronx history with creative, future-facing work.
Within this dynamic setting, the AFH STEM Center operates as a hands-on robotics and STEM learning hub, supporting FIRST teams and school communities across the Bronx and throughout New York City. In a professional, collaborative environment, students design, build, and program innovative solutions using advanced fabrication tools and robotics equipment. In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, the center offers credit-bearing programs for Bronx students while fostering sustainable STEM pathways through internships, summer programs, and work-based learning opportunities. It also collaborates with other residents of the Andrew Freedman Home to develop programs that serve the broader community, with participation structured through program-based enrollment.
The STEM Center at Andrew Freedman Home hosts community workshops and open hours (which require a valid NYC FIRST Member Card), as well as credit-bearing classes and an artist-in-residence program. Member cards are issued to participants ages 14 and up, including FTC, and FRC team members and mentors, NYC FIRST alumni, and other participants connected to NYC FIRST programs.
The closest subway station is 167 St (B, D trains) on the Grand Concourse, about a 3–4 minute walk from the building. Another nearby option is 167 St (4 train) on Jerome Ave, approximately a 7–8 minute walk.
Several MTA bus routes also stop nearby along the Grand Concourse and surrounding streets, including the Bx1, Bx2, Bx6, Bx13, and Bx32, providing convenient connections across the Bronx and to Manhattan.
The Andrew Freedman Home does not have a dedicated parking lot. Street parking is available along Grand Concourse and nearby streets, with a mix of free street parking and metered spaces depending on the block. Visitors should check posted signs for parking meters and parking regulations.
A paid public parking lot is located nearby at Gerard Ave, within a short walk of the building. Additional paid garages and parking lots can also be found throughout the surrounding Concourse neighborhood.
Enter from Grand Concourse through the opening in the metal gate marked for the Andrew Freedman Home.
Once inside the building, take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Exit the elevator and turn right, then follow the hallway toward the Media Wing. The NYC FIRST STEM Center is located at the end of the hallway.
Open hours are available to valid STEM Center member card holders, including FTC and FRC team members and New York City students ages 14–18, as well as artists participating in the Artist-in-Residence program during their residency period. Access is subject to space availability, and workshops or other activities may reserve parts of the center. Hours may change based on programming, so please check for updates before visiting.
