Imagine the experience of waiting for public transportation in a space that provides adequate shade, shelter, and comfort. Now, imagine the experience of waiting for public transportation in a space that lacks these qualities, on a hot summer afternoon in New Orleans, with a storm looming in the distance. For most New Orleans residents who rely on public transportation, imagining this second scenario is not difficult -- it’s lived every single day.

Our team will address this challenge by making the everyday experience of taking the bus more enjoyable, while also giving teens an opportunity to put their design + build skills to work for community improvement! Our idea is to work with local high school students to prototype and install a creative bus shelter and crosswalk improvements along Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard that meets the needs of daily riders, engages the community in the collection and sharing of individual stories, and celebrates the richness of this community.

Our teen collaborators will be offered a well-paid stipend for their leadership. This not only improves rider experience, it allows young people in the neighborhood to see and use the product of their hard work on a daily basis. We know that the process of taking a community design project from concept to actualization can have a powerful and lasting impact on young peoples' attitudes towards themselves and their neighborhood.