About
NYC FIRST STEM Centers and Robotics Programs include hands-on STEM activities such as robotics programming, computer science, digital fabrication, non-digital fabrication, mechanical engineering, electronics, and work with sensors. Participants also take part in citywide robotics competitions that are delivered through NYC FIRST programs. NYC FIRST STEM Centers are hubs of learning that provide STEM educational experiences and include resources such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, miter saws, drill presses, metal saws, and other tools.
Since 2000, NYC FIRST has increased access to STEM education in New York City through citywide robotics competitions and STEM Centers. NYC FIRST is the program delivery organization of FIRST robotics programs and operates a network of STEM Centers across the five boroughs. STEM Centers level the playing field by centralizing computing, software, fabrication equipment, and expert staff and mentors, and they nurture a socio-economically integrated community. STEM Centers include expert NYC FIRST staff and mentors. NYC FIRST provides STEM and robotics programming city-wide across the five boroughs of New York City and serves students, teachers, communities, coaches, mentors, and the entire FIRST community. NYC FIRST is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. NYC FIRST students across gender, race, and income are three times more likely to be interested in STEM activities, careers, identity, and knowledge compared to a comparison group, and young women in FIRST programs have significant gains in all STEM areas including STEM interest, career interest, activity, knowledge, and identity. NYC FIRST alumni are enrolled at engineering schools such as MIT, Olin College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and by their fourth year of college, FIRST alumni are more likely to be majoring in STEM fields than comparison group peers.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
Since 2000, NYC FIRST has increased access to STEM education in New York City through citywide robotics competitions and STEM Centers. NYC FIRST is the program delivery organization of FIRST robotics programs and operates a network of STEM Centers across the five boroughs. STEM Centers level the playing field by centralizing computing, software, fabrication equipment, and expert staff and mentors, and they nurture a socio-economically integrated community. STEM Centers include expert NYC FIRST staff and mentors. NYC FIRST provides STEM and robotics programming city-wide across the five boroughs of New York City and serves students, teachers, communities, coaches, mentors, and the entire FIRST community. NYC FIRST is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. NYC FIRST students across gender, race, and income are three times more likely to be interested in STEM activities, careers, identity, and knowledge compared to a comparison group, and young women in FIRST programs have significant gains in all STEM areas including STEM interest, career interest, activity, knowledge, and identity. NYC FIRST alumni are enrolled at engineering schools such as MIT, Olin College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and by their fourth year of college, FIRST alumni are more likely to be majoring in STEM fields than comparison group peers.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
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