Since the launch of RAFT’s Endowment Fund last year, generous donors have helped us expand access to hands-on STEAM education across the Bay Area. Through dedicating funding to our school and district partners, RAFT has been able to provide professional development training, memberships, and shopping credits for educators, empowering them to bring engaging, experiential learning into their classrooms.

Thanks to these contributions, our endowed funds have already provided over 760 individual memberships and supported 25 education partners across the Bay Area.

Bringing Hands-On Learning to Life

On Thursday, April 17, RAFT welcomed about 30 educators from Brooktree Elementary and Majestic Elementary for a professional development workshop on incorporating hands-on learning into their classroom. Made possible through endowment funding, the training introduced teachers to RAFT’s vast selection of learning kits and materials, and included shopping credits so participants could stock their classrooms.

Teachers beaming with joy as they dive into RAFT activities—engaging just like their students during a hands-on spring break training session.
Teachers beaming with joy as they dive into RAFT activities—engaging just like their students during a hands-on spring break training session.

Mya Duong, Principal at Brooktree Elementary, praised the experience: "We look forward to the trainings and working with RAFT because your activities encourage our teachers to think outside of the box. RAFT has SO many hands-on materials that they can explore and engage with in different ways."

Mike Keita, a 5th grade teacher from Majestic Way, left the workshop with a cart full of supplies—from bouncy balls and batteries to RAFT STEAM Kits and office essentials. “I’ve been a member for years. I always come back because you never know what you’ll find. You always have something new," said Mike.

The Power of Donor Support

This kind of impact is only possible thanks to visionary donors who believe in supporting the education community.

Longtime RAFT supporters Stan and Sayang Lim recently established a named fund through our Endowment to continue championing Bay Area teachers.

“We come from a family of educators,” shared Stan Lim, a former RAFT board member and zSpace executive. “Sayang was a teacher at a deaf-school, and later worked as a Speech Therapist and substitute teacher. Our daughter is now studying to become a teacher. We understand teachers need access to materials and tools that will support their teaching, and by supporting our teachers, we’re helping our students learn and grow.”

"We’ve supported RAFT over the years, and we’re impressed to see how their programs have evolved to keep up with the needs of our teachers and students. We are excited to partner with RAFT for the next phase of growth.” 

The Lims’ story is a powerful reminder: when we invest in teachers, we invest in student success.

Stan and Sayang Lim with RAFT founder Mary Simon, celebrating a shared commitment to supporting educators and hands-on learning at RAFT's Annual Fundraiser in 2013.
Stan and Sayang Lim with RAFT founder Mary Simon, celebrating a shared commitment to supporting educators and hands-on learning at RAFT's Annual Fundraiser in 2013.
Stan and Sayang Lim tour RAFT’s newly remodeled Educator Workroom in 2025, where their generous support helps empower teachers with hands-on resources.
Stan and Sayang Lim tour RAFT’s newly remodeled Educator Workroom in 2025, where their generous support helps empower teachers with hands-on resources.

Join Us in Supporting Educators

As schools continue to face funding gaps and uncertainty, the need for dependable support has never been greater. RAFT’s Endowment Fund ensures we can continue providing materials, training, and inspiration—at no cost to the schools and districts who need it most.

Interested in contributing to RAFT’s Endowment Fund or establishing a named fund? Contact Kate Ball, Director of Development, at kball@raft.net to learn how you can help support the next generation of innovators and educators.