8 May 2025

Over the course of 18 months, Brandon Ebanks has become an integral instructor and beloved mentor for 345Robotics, a non-profit foundation in the Cayman Islands. This organization was started by parents, and for many years has been solely driven by volunteer efforts. 

With a fundamental understanding of – and natural knack for – mechanical/structural concepts, electronics, coding and programming, Brandon is thriving and excelling as a STEM educator albeit with minimal formal training. Brandon was born in the Cayman Islands and has been working with the organisation for two years.

345Robotics operates fully as an extracurricular program, utilizing the VexIQ robotics platform and competition. Brandon has been a key figure in our community outreach efforts, which have included dozens of fully sponsored participants and free programs (such as pilot programs at local primary schools). We have also utilized the opportunity to showcase 345Robotics at local community expos and in the news media to raise awareness.

During multiple weeks of robotics camps during the summer and school holidays throughout 2024, Brandon designed unique, bespoke and fun competition challenges utilising VexIQ that truly engaged the participants – while opening their minds to the world of robotics.

One example was Brandon’s concept of having the children design a “port” with cranes, cargo, trucks, roads, and signaling mechanisms, over the course of a week. (This a very familiar concept for children – given our own port in central George Town, Grand Cayman, which is the source of 98% of our consumer goods, construction materials, etc). 

Brandon and fellow coach Kendra Okonski have led 345Robotics’ efforts during the year-long 2024-25 VexIQ “Rapid Relay” competition, and will be guiding the team through its participation at the 2025 Vex Robotics Championship in Dallas, May 12-14, 2025.

Brandon has been hugely resourceful in guiding our four elementary teams with their first formal participation in the VexIQ global competition – including his very first competition at the Osceola Science School tournament in Florida on February 8 where our teams won numerous accolades. His natural empathy and playful mindset enables him to connect successfully with young people – including those who experience learning challenges in formal education settings. 

At the same time, Brandon’s practical, hands-on approach creates deeply meaningful learning opportunities for our participants. He is a cherished individual who truly deserves recognition for his ability to shape the minds of our next generation of thinkers and innovators in the Cayman Islands.