RAFT Blog, News, and Events

RAFT is Bay Area Parent’s Best of the Best (Again!)

September 5, 2023

RAFT is pleased to have been selected as a Bay Area Parent Magazine 2023 Best of the Best Tutoring or Education Support Program. This is the fourth consecutive year RAFT has finished at the top of the list thanks to our comprehensive in-person and online educational offerings, including STEAM Project Kits, Maker Mobile van visits, makerspace builds, tailored educator workshops and more.

From Camper to Camp Counselor: Yiesha R.’s STEAM Dream Story

May 24, 2023

For brand new campers, the first day of camp is filled with curiosity, a few stomach butterflies and a ton of anticipation for the exciting adventures to come. But what about the first day of camp for a new camp counselor? And what if that camp counselor used to be a camper herself? We caught…

RAFT STEAM Teachers of the Year 2022

May 31, 2022

Congratulations to our 2022 STEAM Teachers of the Year! RAFT’s STEAM Teacher of the Year Awards recognize outstanding pre-K-12 teachers in the Bay Area who incorporate effective hands-on learning and/or maker education into their curriculum. Each awardee demonstrates excellence in teaching in at least one of the following areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math. RAFT…

Happy International Day of Education from RAFT!

January 24, 2022

Today the world celebrates International Day of Education! Not only do we recognize the contributions of teachers, the personal development of students, and the hard work of everyone in the education field, but we also take today to recognize the role of education for the world. Education can unlock every individual’s potential and pave the…

DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

Feb 27, 2025 | Comments Off

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…

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

Feb 26, 2025 | Comments Off

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,…

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

Jan 28, 2025 | Comments Off

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!…

In Memory of Wayne Suzuki

Nov 6, 2024 | Comments Off

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…

RAFT’s $5 Million Endowment: Securing the Future of Education

Oct 30, 2024 | Comments Off

RAFT has taken a bold step towards securing the future of hands-on learning with the announcement of a $5 million endowment. This fund will ensure affordable STEAM materials for educators and provide ongoing support for innovation in education. Learn how RAFT is building a lasting impact for generations to come.

Maker Mobile Highlights: Shoutout to Our Near-Peer Mentors

Sep 26, 2024 | Comments Off

At RAFT, we believe in the power of hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to inspire creativity and innovation among young students. Our Maker Mobile brings STEAM learning directly to schools and communities in the greater Bay Area, engaging K-8 students…