Corporate
A Brooklyn School’s Solve for Tomorrow Project Nabs Attention of NYC Transit Chief
1/27/2023

In January, New York City Transit President Richard Davey paid a visit to Liberty Avenue Middle School. He’d learned that a group of seventh grade students from the Brooklyn-based school had participated in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, which challenges U.S. public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. What’s more is that they made it to the State Finalists level of the national competition for submitting a STEM solution about new “Subway Safety” communication technology for the world’s oldest, largest, and most used mass transit system.

MTA New York City Transit President Richard Davey and Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow surprise 7th grade students Alan, Chris, Criss, and Sinthia with a visit to Liberty Avenue Middle School on Thursday, Jan 12, 2023. The students, under the guidance of teacher Jessica Abrams, are state finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition with their design of a push-button method for summoning police or mental health assistance in the subway.
(Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
Intrigued by a Brooklyn Reader article he’d read of their Subway Safety concept and impressed that they had advanced in the STEM competition, Davey wanted to pay props to the Liberty students and their teacher Jessica Abrams and assure them that their safety concerns are being heard. “I was ecstatic to learn that a group of 7th graders advanced to finals with an idea that involves the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet them in person,” said Davey. “This goes to show how relevant public transit is to every New Yorker, no matter how old. I commend the work they are doing and their teacher for her support and leadership. I wish them the best of luck in the next round.”