RAFT Blog, News, and Events

Featured Articles and News

DreamBox Impact Series: Milpitas Unified School District

April 1, 2025

Engaging EL and SPED Learners Through Hands-On STEAM For the past two summers, RAFT has partnered with Milpitas Unified School District to bring hands-on STEAM learning to the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) summer program. This past summer, 230 fourth- through sixth-grade Special Education (SPED) and English Learner (EL) students became environmental engineers-designing water filtration…

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Bringing Stories to Life: RAFT’s Intersession Program at Northwood Elementary

March 18, 2025

This winter, Northwood Elementary students in Berryessa School District embarked on a creative journey through RAFT’s three-day Intersession program. Designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning, the program engaged 66 students in grades K-5 in the art of puppet-making, storytelling, and performance, culminating in a special showcase for families. Student-made marionette puppets displayed with crafting…

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DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

February 27, 2025

Empowering Newcomers Through Hands-On STEAM Learning In Summer 2024, students at Oak Grove School District‘s Newcomer Summer Academy embarked on an innovative hands-on STEAM adventure. Through RAFT’s creative reuse materials and engaging activity kits, 75 students explored the mysteries of space while strengthening their English language skills, guided by 3 dedicated teachers. Hands-on learning is…

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Sparking Curiosity through Hands-On Learning with Jeffrey and Maureen Fox

February 26, 2025

For over 30 years, RAFT has provided resources and support to local educators and students. RAFT’s commitment to hands-on learning for STEAM subjects has evolved to include activities such as STEAM Project Kits, as well as programs like our Makerspace and Maker Mobile activities, and most recently a STEAM Dream Summer Camp for students around…

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DreamBox Impact Series: Milpitas Unified School District

Apr 1, 2025 | Comments Off on DreamBox Impact Series: Milpitas Unified School District

Engaging EL and SPED Learners Through Hands-On STEAM For the past two summers, RAFT has partnered with Milpitas Unified School District to bring hands-on STEAM learning to the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) summer program. This past summer, 230 fourth- through sixth-grade Special Education…

Read More

Bringing Stories to Life: RAFT’s Intersession Program at Northwood Elementary

Mar 18, 2025 | Comments Off on Bringing Stories to Life: RAFT’s Intersession Program at Northwood Elementary

This winter, Northwood Elementary students in Berryessa School District embarked on a creative journey through RAFT’s three-day Intersession program. Designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning, the program engaged 66 students in grades K-5 in the art of puppet-making, storytelling, and performance, culminating in…

Read More

DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

Feb 27, 2025 | Comments Off on DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

Empowering Newcomers Through Hands-On STEAM Learning In Summer 2024, students at Oak Grove School District‘s Newcomer Summer Academy embarked on an innovative hands-on STEAM adventure. Through RAFT’s creative reuse materials and engaging activity kits, 75 students explored the mysteries of space while strengthening their…

Read More

Sparking Curiosity through Hands-On Learning with Jeffrey and Maureen Fox

Feb 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Sparking Curiosity through Hands-On Learning with Jeffrey and Maureen Fox

For over 30 years, RAFT has provided resources and support to local educators and students. RAFT’s commitment to hands-on learning for STEAM subjects has evolved to include activities such as STEAM Project Kits, as well as programs like our Makerspace and Maker Mobile activities,…

Read More

Maker Mobile Highlights: Welcoming Our Next Cohort of Near-Peer Mentors!

Jan 28, 2025 | Comments Off on Maker Mobile Highlights: Welcoming Our Next Cohort of Near-Peer Mentors!

At RAFT, we believe in the power of mentorship, hands-on learning, and fostering a love for STEAM. Our Maker Mobile Mentor Program, done in partnership with the Synopsys Outreach Foundation, continues to grow, and we’re thrilled to introduce our second cohort of incredible mentors!…

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In Memory of Wayne Suzuki

Nov 6, 2024 | Comments Off on In Memory of Wayne Suzuki

We at RAFT are sad to share that a long time hero of the RAFT community, Wayne Suzuki, has passed away. Since the start of RAFT, Wayne has been an integral part of the organization over the course of our 30 year history. Wayne…

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