Tomorrow Starts Today: Inspiring Future Engineers at CICS Lloyd Bond

At CICS Lloyd Bond, our community is rich with individuals who inspire, uplift, and give back in extraordinary ways. Today, we’re excited to share our gratitude and celebrate Ryan Harris, a proud parent of a CICS Longwood alumnus and a current CICS Lloyd Bond student, for his remarkable contributions to our school community. Through his innovative coding and STEM initiatives, Ryan has sparked curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in our students, paving the way for brighter futures.

Ryan’s passion for community and technology came to life when his son, at just eight years old, expressed interest in becoming a computer hacker. Rather than dismiss the idea, Ryan saw an opportunity to channel that curiosity into constructive learning. Together, they began exploring the basics of technology, building computers, and understanding how systems work. What started as a father-son project soon grew into a mission to share these opportunities with other students at CICS Lloyd Bond.

Ryan’s military background and work as a Linux Systems Administrator shaped his approach to teaching and mentoring. He recognizes how vital it is to instill confidence in young minds, “Frederick Douglass said it best: It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” Ryan shared. His philosophy centers on empowering students to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious.

In collaboration with the dedicated team at CICS Lloyd Bond, Ryan launched a STEAM club that’s now in its third year. The program has evolved into a nonprofit initiative, equipping students with computers they’ve built themselves. “It’s about giving them the tools to paint their own futures,” Ryan explained.

Student at computer smiling during a visit to IIT.Ryan’s ultimate goal is to instill self-belief in every student. “Even if they don’t pursue technology as a career, I want them to know they can do whatever they put their minds to,” he shared. Through his mentorship, Ryan is not just teaching technical skills but nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

As Ryan continues to pour his energy and passion into the CICS Lloyd Bond community, we are reminded of the power of one individual to make a lasting impact. His work exemplifies the values of dedication, innovation, and empowerment that define our schools. Thank you, Ryan, for all you do to inspire and uplift our students and to each of our families – for being a true partner in your child’s education and success. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with our Distinctive Families!