Developed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education’s District 13, the STEM Center serves students and educators across central Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Located adjacent to the Brooklyn Heights Library, the Center introduces young learners to robotics, computational thinking, and digital fabrication through hands-on programs. Students build skills in coding, design thinking, and engineering while working with tools like 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and robotics platforms such as FIRST LEGO League (FLL).
The Center operates as an extension of the classroom—partnering with teachers to align with school pacing and complement in-class learning through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Primarily serving elementary and middle school students, the Center connects schools, educators, and mentors while expanding access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.
The District 13 STEM Center is a joint initiative of NYC DOE District 13 and NYC FIRST, staffed by NYC FIRST educators who run programs and maintain the space. The center hosts school field trips for District 13 K–8 students, professional learning for district teachers, and robotics support primarily for FLL teams and also FTC teams. The center may also offer community workshops and open hours (which require a valid NYC FIRST Member Card) when space is available and no scheduled programs are taking place.
Nearby subway stations include Jay St–MetroTech (A, C, F, R trains), Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5 trains), and Court St (R train), all within a short walking distance of the Center.
Several MTA bus routes also serve the area, including B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, and B103, with stops along Cadman Plaza, Court St, and nearby Downtown Brooklyn streets.
A paid public parking garage is available next to the location at 40 Clinton St. The garage entrance is on Clinton Street between Pierrepont Street and Cadman Plaza. Additional paid metered street parking and some free street parking may be available on nearby blocks, depending on the time of day and posted regulations.
The NYC FIRST STEM Center entrance is not at the main entrance of 1 Clinton Street. Instead, it is located on Clinton Street along the side of the building.
From the Cadman Plaza West / Tillary Street intersection, walk south on Clinton Street (toward Pierrepont Street). The STEM Center entrance will be on the left-hand side of the block, about halfway down the block between Tillary Street and Pierrepont Street. Look for NYC FIRST STEM Center signage on the door.
This entrance leads directly to the basement-level STEM Center and includes stairs and elevator access.
Primarily serving students from NYC Public Schools District 13, open hours and workshops at the District 13 STEM Center are generally intended for the local community. 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.Other valid NYC FIRST member card holders — including FLL and FTC team members and mentors — should check with STEM Center staff in advance regarding availability.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
