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NYC FIRST Inc
New York, NY · EIN 462754933 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE O50 · Youth Development · Medium ($1M-$10M) · nycfirst.org
revenue
$7.7M
expenses
$7.4M
net assets
$2.2M
employees
39
volunteers
1,208
program ratio
89%
profile · synthesized from sources

NYC FIRST Inc delivers STEM and robotics education programs to youth across New York City through FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST LEGO League (FLL). The organization supports student teams by providing access to tools, mentorship, and competitions, while operating two citywide STEM Centers that offer fabrication resources and technical training. Since 2000, it has expanded access to hands-on science and engineering learning for high school and middle school students.

named programs · 4 · from sources

What they call their work

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Elementary and middle school STEM program where students solve real-world challenges using LEGO-based robots and develop teamwork, coding, and research skills.
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
High school-level robotics program where students design, build, and operate robots for head-to-head challenges with support from adult mentors and engineers.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Grades 7–12 robotics program using aluminum-based robots programmed in Java or block-based coding, focusing on engineering principles, team collaboration, and competition.
NYC FIRST STEM Centers
Citywide hubs offering access to fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers), technical workshops, internships, teacher training, and team support for robotics programs.
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • STEM Competition and Robotics Programs 3 activities
    • Delivers mentorship and coaching to student teams
      Provides ongoing mentorship and coaching support to student teams participating in NYC FIRST programs to enhance technical and teamwork skills.
    • Hosts annual benefit event featuring student robotics demonstrations
      Organizes the Igniting Ingenuity Benefit event each year, showcasing student robotics projects and engaging participants from STEM Centers and robotics leagues.
    • Operates citywide robotics competitions and STEM Centers for youth
      Organizes and hosts annual robotics competitions including qualifier, super qualifier, and championship events for the FIRST Tech Challenge in New York City, while maintaining a network of STEM Centers that provide access to advanced fabrication tools and educational programs since 2000.
  • Hands-On STEM Education Programs 3 activities
    • Funds, markets, and promotes STEM career pathways for youth
      Creates awareness of STEM careers and supports students in pursuing them through community outreach, brand development, and access to over $80 million in college scholarships via participation in robotics programs.
    • Provides hands-on STEM education programs and workshops
      Offers credit-bearing classes, technical workshops, open design hours, internships, and teacher training in computer science, mechanical engineering, electronics, and fabrication at STEM Centers equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers, serving youth who lack access to engaging STEM opportunities.
    • Supports youth development through robotics and team-based challenges
      Engages students in grades 7–12 in designing, building, programming, and operating robots for competitive challenges, while fostering life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-confidence through participation in structured programs like FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge.
  • Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
    • Engages volunteers and provides volunteer opportunities
      Recruits and engages hundreds of volunteers annually to support programs and events, offering volunteer roles to individuals with prior experience in FIRST programs.
  • Alumni Community Building 1 activity
    • Provides alumni engagement and continued access to STEM resources
      Offers alumni of NYC FIRST programs drop-in access to STEM Centers, priority for special events, an alumni lounge, raffle entries, media features, and opportunities to shape future engagement initiatives.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$7.71M
Contributions & grants$7.26M94%
Program service revenue$467K6%
Investment income$63K1%
Other revenue$-87K
expenses
Total expenses$7.38M
Program expenses89%
Admin / overhead4%
Fundraising7%
Salaries & benefits$2.88M
Grants paid out$3.14M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$5.74M
Cash$4.12M
Investments$0
Liabilities$3.51M
Net assets$2.24M
Liquid reserves6.7 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +67.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 6
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Michael Zigman CEO/Executive Director 55 $349K
Katelyn Karageorgiou Chief of Staff 40 $185K
Marjorie Schulman Vice President of Programs 40 $183K
Nicholas Jerez Past Director of People Operations 40 $147K
Michelle Sharkey Director of Development 40 $136K
Lisa Cai Program Director, K-8 40 $133K
board members · 8
  • Anne Kirschner — Director
  • Armen Avanessians — Director
  • David Siegel — Director, Co-Chairman
  • Gilda Barabino — Director
  • Jessica Naeve — Director
  • Karl Sprules — Director
  • Michael Dubno — Director, Co-Chairman
  • Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi — Director
relationships · 9

Who they work with

  • Con Edison Partner — Partnered to provide machine shop access for teams during the event.
  • FIRST Network — Implements the FIRST Tech Challenge program in New York City as part of the national FIRST organization network.
  • FIRST Network — Member of the FIRST Mentor Network, connecting with a broader national mentoring system.
  • FIRST Network — Member organization of the FIRST network, participating in shared programming and volunteer systems.
  • FIRST Network — NYC FIRST is a program delivery organization of FIRST robotics programs.
  • FIRST Inspires Network — NYC FIRST Inc operates as a local affiliate of the national FIRST Inspires organization, implementing its robotics programs.
  • Raytheon Technologies Partner — Title sponsor of the 2022-23 FIRST Tech Challenge POWERPLAYSM season.
  • firstinspires.org Network — Member of the FIRST Inspires national network, using its platforms and resources to support local robotics teams.
  • individual donors Partner — Support NYC FIRST programs annually through donations.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Inclusive Mentorship Model
    methodology: inclusive_mentorship
    By supporting both technical and non-technical mentors with resources and communities, we increase adult participation diversity, because inclusive mentorship expands access and strengthens student support networks regardless of mentor background.
  • Mentor-Guided Experiential Learning in STEM
    methodology: mentor_guided_experiential_learning
    By combining hands-on robotics projects with mentorship from engineers and non-technical adults, we develop STEM and life skills in youth because guided, project-based experiences foster deeper engagement, skill retention, and workforce readiness.
  • Theme-Based Challenge Learning
    methodology: theme_based_challenge_learning
    By engaging youth in themed research and robotics challenges, we promote sustained STEM learning because real-world problem solving increases motivation, interdisciplinary thinking, and application of technical skills.