STEM Centers

A NYC FIRST STEM Center is a hands-on STEM learning hub designed to expand access to the tools, mentorship, space and experiences that help young people explore engineering, technology, design and robotics.

STEM Centers not only support students and teams participating in FIRST robotics leagues, but they are also community spaces for STEM learning and opportunity across New York City.

They may host robotics teams, workshops, classes, field trips and group activities, while also providing students with access to resources for building, designing, coding, digital fabrication, and physical computing. 

NYC FIRST STEM Centers function a bit like a modern STEM library: a place where young people can access not only technology and equipment, but also guidance, community and opportunities to learn.

NYC FIRST STEM Centers are staffed by knowledgeable STEM educators, roboticists, and youth development professionals, and are designed primarily for young people - especially students in grades K–12 from across the five boroughs of New York City.
As part of NYC FIRST’s mission as a youth development organization, STEM Centers are built to expand access to hands-on STEM learning, technical tools, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for students to explore engineering, robotics, coding, design, fabrication, and related fields.

STEM Centers also support the broader ecosystem around youth learning, including educators, mentors, school communities, robotics teams, and other partners who help make these experiences possible.

STEM Centers offer support for robotics teams, and FIRST programs remain an important part of what happens in these spaces. At the same time, participation is not limited to students who are already on a team.

If you are part of a robotics team, STEM Centers can provide space, tools, mentorship, and learning opportunities to support your work. If you are not on a team, you can still benefit from many of the same resources, workshops, and hands-on experiences that help young people build technical skills and explore STEM
Many of the opportunities designed to support robotics learning can also serve students more broadly—and if robotics is something you are interested in, a STEM Center may also be a place where you can learn more, join a team, or even start one.

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NYC FIRST STEM Centers are places to explore, build, create, and grow through hands-on STEM experiences. For some young people, that may mean joining a workshop, learning a new tool, or building a robot. For others, it may mean having access to a space where they can work on projects, develop skills, collaborate with others, and discover new interests and future pathways.

STEM Centers are designed to support both structured learning and open-ended exploration. They are places where students can strengthen technical abilities, build confidence, connect with peers and mentors, and spend time in a safe, welcoming environment centered around creativity, problem-solving, and STEM learning.

Depending on the location, program, and time, opportunities at a STEM Center may include:

• Fabrication and design Work with tools and technologies related to prototyping, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving.
• Mechanical engineering and robotics Build, test, iterate, and work through hands-on engineering challenges and robotics projects.
• Programming and physical computing Explore coding, electronics, circuitry, microcontrollers, and interactive technology.
• Space to work and build Use the STEM Center as a place to focus, collaborate, create, and develop projects.
• Workshops and skill-building Participate in structured opportunities to learn new technical, creative, and project-based skills.
• Field trips, classes, and school-day experiences Engage through structured visits, activations, curriculum-connected programs, and other learning experiences.
• Mentorship and peer learning Learn from staff, mentors, and peers while sharing ideas, solving problems, and building together.
• Career exploration and pathways Connect STEM interests to future opportunities, certifications, and work-based learning experiences.
• Community, belonging, and fun Spend time in a safe, youth-centered environment where learning, creativity, and enjoyment go together.

No, you do not need to be on a robotics team to visit a NYC FIRST STEM Center.

It depends on how you are participating, varying based on type of program:

• School-day classes and field trips: Registration and required forms are typically handled through the school or organizing group
• Workshops and special programs: Some workshops require advance registration or free tickets, as space is limited
• Open hours / walk-in access: Some STEM Centers offer designated open hours where no pre-registration is required.  Participation during these times requires an active and valid STEM Center membership.

Each STEM Center operates slightly differently depending on its location and partnerships, so it’s best to check the details for the specific program or center you plan to attend.

Additionally, all participants must have a signed Assumption of Risk form on file in order to take part in STEM Center activities.

Participants 18 and older: Complete the 18+ Assumption of Risk form
Participants under 18: Complete the Minor Assumption of Risk form

You can sign up for a STEM Center membership using our general membership form.

STEM Center membership is free.  It allows NYC FIRST to collect the information needed to support safe participation in activities, including required forms, emergency contact information, and important communication with participants and families.

An active membership is required for open walk-in hours and public workshops.  For school-day classes, field trips and other organized programs, participation may be handled separately through the school or partner organization.

The right STEM Center for you may depend on things like location, hours, age group focus, and the types of tools, programs, or opportunities you are looking for.

While NYC FIRST STEM Centers share many common features, each location may offer a different combination of open hours, equipment, audience focus, partnerships, and specialized resources.

Some STEM Centers may be a better fit based on where you live or go to school. Others may be a better match based on the kinds of experiences you are looking for—whether that’s robotics support, access to certain machines, programming for a particular age group, or other STEM opportunities.

The best way to explore your options is by visiting each STEM Center’s page and comparing hours, available equipment, and the features that make each location unique.

NYC FIRST STEM Centers provide access to a range of tools and technologies that support hands-on learning, building, prototyping, and technical skill development.

Depending on the location, equipment may include:

• Computers and digital workstations Used for design, coding, robotics, media, and other software-based work.
• Physical computing and electronics tools Including microcontrollers, sensors, soldering equipment, and prototyping supplies.
• Digital fabrication machines Such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and other fabrication technologies.
• Hand and shop tools Used for assembly, mechanical work, fabrication, and general project building.

Each STEM Center offers a slightly different mix of equipment and resources, so the best way to learn what is available at a specific location is by visiting that STEM Center’s page.

 The best place to start is the individual page for the STEM Center you are interested in.

Each STEM Center page includes core information such as walk-in hours, general access details, and what makes that location unique. This is the best place to understand the regular schedule and structure of a specific STEM Center.

For the latest information about upcoming workshops, special opportunities, or last-minute schedule changes, you can also follow us on Instagram.