Bringing Hands-On STEAM Learning to San Diego Educators
RAFT recently had the pleasure of participating in the San Diego STEAM Educators Conference at the University of San Diego from May 16-17. The event brought together hundreds of teachers from across the state committed to advancing STEAM education across Southern California. Nancy McIntyre, RAFT’s new Community Engagement Manager, represented our team at the conference,…
From Honoree to Advocate: A STEAM Award’s Ripple Effect
At RAFT, we believe in celebrating educators who bring STEAM to life through hands-on learning. Our STEAM Teachers and Administrators of the Year Awards honor those who go above and beyond-and sometimes, that recognition inspires something even bigger. Just ask Bryan Williams, a past STEAM Teacher of the Year award recipient who later nominated another…
Investing in Impact: How RAFT’s Endowment Fund is Powering Bay Area Classrooms
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…
Spark STEAM Box (previously 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 (SPED) and English Learner (EL) students became environmental engineers-designing water filtration…
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 a special showcase for families. Student-made marionette puppets displayed with crafting…
Spark STEAM Box (previously 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 English language skills, guided by 3 dedicated teachers. Hands-on learning is…
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, and most recently a STEAM Dream Summer Camp for students around…
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! These bright individuals bring their passion for STEAM and education to…
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 had a true passion for educators. After working at IBM for…
RAFT’s $5 Million Endowment: Securing the Future of Education
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.