Located inside the Washington Heights branch of The New York Public Library in Upper Manhattan, the NYC FIRST STEM Center is rooted in a neighborhood known for its rich immigrant history and strong Dominican cultural presence. Housed in a historic Carnegie-era library building that has served the community for generations, the Center brings hands-on STEM learning into the heart of a trusted civic space.
The Center supports FIRST teams and school communities across Washington Heights and throughout New York City, while also welcoming young learners who visit the library and are curious about robotics and technology. Through workshops, open build sessions, mentoring, and competitions, students design and program innovative solutions, building skills in engineering, coding, and electronics alongside confidence, creativity, and problem-solving that prepare them for college and careers.
The Washington Heights STEM Center hosts community workshops and open hours (which require a valid NYC FIRST Member Card), as well as credit-bearing classes and school field trips. Member cards are issued to New York City K–12 students, FLL, FTC, and FRC team members and mentors, NYC FIRST alumni, and other participants connected to NYC FIRST programs. Parents/guardians with a member card may attend workshops alongside their dependents.
The closest subway station is 163 St–Amsterdam Ave (C train), about a 3–5 minute walk from the library. The A train is available at 168 St–Washington Heights, located about a 7–8 minute walk. Additional subway access is available via the 1 train at 168 St (Broadway), also within walking distance.
Several MTA bus routes serve the surrounding area, including M3, M5, and M100 along St Nicholas Ave and nearby streets, providing connections throughout Upper Manhattan and to other subway lines.
The library does not have a dedicated parking lot. Street parking is available along St Nicholas Ave, W 163rd St, and surrounding residential streets, with a mix of free parking and metered spaces depending on the block and time of day. Visitors should check posted signs for alternate-side parking and meter regulations
Several paid parking garages and lots are located within a short walk of the library in the Washington Heights neighborhood, including facilities along Broadway, Amsterdam Ave, and nearby streets.
The NYC FIRST STEM Center is located inside the New York Public Library – Washington Heights branch. Enter through the main library entrance on St Nicholas Ave and check in at the front desk upon arrival. Library staff can direct you to the NYC FIRST STEM Center space inside the building.
The library entrance and interior are fully accessible, with access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Open hours are available to valid STEM Center member card holders, including FLL, FTC, and FRC team members and New York City K–12 students. 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.
