News & Events
Amadou Ly Gives Back by Helping High School Students Build a Robot
Luck, both good and bad, has played an important part in City Tech student Amadou Ly’s life journey. You may remember his story from widespread newspaper coverage of it last year -- a 18-year-old immigrant from Senegal living on his own since he was 14 who was unable to travel with his high school classmates to attend a national robotics competition because he was here illegally.
Ly with Dean Sonja Jackson.
Photo credit: Al Vargas
Ly, who now lives in Harlem, had come to New York with his mother. Unable to find work here, she returned to Africa, leaving her son to fend for himself in America and hopefully create a brighter future. He did the best he could -- attending high school, studying English and earning some money doing odd jobs.
“I was too young to have my own place, so I moved into a two-room apartment in Harlem with eight other Senegalese immigrants,” he recalls. “I was the youngest, so I slept on the couch or the floor.”
As luck would have it, one day Ly happened to be a passenger in a car that was rear-ended. When the police who investigated the accident called immigration authorities, his illegal status was revealed. For the next two years, while continuing to attend high school, Ly became embroiled in a court battle over deportation.
“But everything changed in January 2006,” he says, “when I started working with a team at my school (Central Park East High School) to build a robot for a nationwide contest.” While helping to build the robot -- a process that involved a fair amount of computer programming -- Ly developed a strong interest in computer technology. He knew then that his future career plans would in some way include technology.
Through a combination of hard work and team spirit, Ly’s team won the regional robotics competition. When the announcement came, the team members were treated like superstars in the neighborhood and were invited to Atlanta for the nationals that spring.
“I couldn’t fly with my teammates because, as an illegal immigrant, I had no valid ID,” he explains. Afraid to reveal that he was illegal and living without a parent, Ly found himself in a desperate situation. Word spread and Ly’s story caught the attention of The New York Times.
What followed was an outpouring of media coverage and support. Ly's story touched the hearts of many individuals who offered to help the young African immigrant. Assistance came in the form of donations and legal advice. Some politicians took an interest and helped him obtain a legal student visa.
Today, Ly, 19 years old, is completing his freshman year studying computer science at City Tech. “I hope, eventually,” he says, “to be able to combine my interests in economics and politics with my computer skills in a way that will benefit the community. That’s my ultimate goal.”
“Amadou’s story of achievement against the odds is one of many here at City Tech,” says Steve Soiffer, special assistant to City Tech President Russell Hotzler. “We strive to recognize and nurture the hopes and talents of those who take that extra step to succeed. And Amadou certainly took many extra steps to realize his goal of a college education.”
And what about Ly’s recognized skills as a robot creator? “From January through April of this year,” he says,” I worked with a team of students attending Eagle Academic High School in the Bronx. I was their only mentor, and I helped them build a fine robot. Their entry won the highest rookie seed in the competition.
"I loved working with them,” he adds. “This is my way of giving back. I have a lot to be grateful for.”
Readers who would like to contribute to a fund that helps Ly pay his educational expenses may contact the Amadou Ly Educational Fund, in care of Laura W. Hirschfeld, Esq., Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153, 212.310.8021.
New York City College of Technology (City Tech) of The City University of New York is a recognized national model for urban technological education and a pioneer in integrating technology into the teaching/learning experience. The largest public college of technology in New York State, City Tech enrolls more than 13,000 students in 57 baccalaureate, associate and specialized certificate programs. Another 15,000 students enroll annually in adult education and workforce development programs, many of which lead to licensure and certification. Located at 300 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn, City Tech is at the MetroTech Center academic and commercial complex, convenient to public transportation.
