RAFT Blog, News, and Events

RAFT’s AI Chatbot: A Smarter Way to Support Hands-On Learning

March 4, 2026

At RAFT, we’re always exploring new ways to help educators bring hands-on STEAM learning into the classroom. With support from the Cisco Foundation, RAFT launched an AI-enabled chatbot designed to help teachers confidently implement STEAM lessons and provide more personalized learning support for students. This tool acts like a digital teaching assistant, helping educators adapt…

A Legacy of Learning: The Guidry Foundation and RAFT’s Endowment Fund

January 26, 2026

For over three decades, RAFT has been fortunate to be supported by partners who believe deeply in the power of hands-on learning. Among them is The Mark & Carolyn Guidry Foundation, longtime champions of education, creativity, and opportunity for all students. Founded in 1994, the Guidry Foundation was established by Mark and Carolyn Guidry to…

Annual Fundraiser Recap: RAFT to the Future of STEAM Education

September 25, 2025

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, RAFT hosted its annual fundraising event: RAFT to the Future. Over 130 supporters were present at RAFT, which was transformed into a beautiful space for the special event for the night. That evening, we honored the individuals and organizations that have made a profound impact on RAFT and the education…

STEAM Dream Summer Camp 2025: A Season of Innovation, Discovery, and Fun

August 19, 2025

This August marks the exciting wrap-up of RAFT’s 2025 STEAM Dream Summer Camp and DreamBox season-our biggest yet! Over the course of eight action-packed weeks, we delivered more than 180 hours of hands-on STEAM programming, engaging TK-8 students from across the Bay Area in engineering challenges, storytelling adventures, and STEAM experimentation. With programs running across…

RAFT’s STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service: Affordable and Responsible STEAM Learning Made Easy

Dec 8, 2021 | Comments Off

Just two weeks ago, we at RAFT launched our brand new STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service, the perfect way to get regular access to our quality STEAM learning kits and activities. This service is the latest way for us to share our dedication to…

Computer Science Education Week: Finding the STEAM Inside and Outside our Devices

Dec 6, 2021 | Comments Off

Today marks the beginning of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), a week to inspire K-12 students to dive into their devices and uncover the science within. Not only this, but this week is also about promoting equity and recognizing the contributions of everyone in…

Celebrate National Make a Gift Day with the Perfect STEAM Kit!

Dec 3, 2021 | Comments Off

Today is National Make a Gift Day! That means it’s time to get creative and make something special for someone special. But what should you make? How about using our Scalloped Circle String Art Kit and use hands-on STEAM learning to make the perfect…

2021 Christmas Sale – Finish the Year Strong!

Nov 30, 2021 | Comments Off

Excited for the holiday season? Get your holiday decor and gifts early on at RAFT during our Christmas Sale from now till December 23rd. We have a great selection of holiday items at affordable prices. Save BIG on your christmas decorations with 75% off…

It’s Time to Tinker, Thanks to RAFT’s New STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service!

Nov 27, 2021 | Comments Off

We at RAFT are proud to launch our new STEAM Project Kit Subscription Service! Becoming a subscriber means you get a selection of our quality STEAM learning kits every month, all at an affordable price! We hope that this service will continue our mission…

Help us bring joy back to the classroom by supporting RAFT

Nov 22, 2021 | Comments Off

Joy has been hard to find for the past two years during the pandemic. As we transition back to the in-person classroom, educators are noticing students being unsure about being back as well as struggling emotionally and socially compared to previous years. Now educators…