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 Commitment to Responsible and Affordable Hands-on STEAM Learning

Nov 16, 2021 | Comments Off

Science, technology, engineering, art, and math. When we hear these words, it’s easy to picture students in a classroom, scientists in white coats huddled together in a lab, or an engineer hunched over a drawing board. And that’s totally understandable! After hearing so much…

Thank you, StopWaste!

Nov 15, 2021 | Comments Off

It’s our mission at RAFT to make STEAM learning more accessible and effective through our various programs – from our Store, to Maker Mobile to our Project kits and activities. And, as we carry out this mission, we do our best to stay committed…

November 8th: An Extra Special Day for Education

Nov 8, 2021 | Comments Off

Today is STEAM Day and National Parents as Teachers Day! Not only do we recognize the importance of a well-rounded education, but we also devote our attention to the people who start the educational journeys of our children. As students and educators, there’s a…

STEAMed Eggs: The Perfect Kit for National Deviled Egg Day

Nov 2, 2021 | Comments Off

Today is National Deviled Egg Day and eggs are the star of the show on today’s menu! Celebrate with RAFT’s Egg Drop kit and make eggs the star of the show in the classroom! Egg Drop This STEAM learning kit encourages learners to combine…

2021 Black Friday Sales – Exciting Promotions

Nov 1, 2021 | Comments Off

Excited for the holiday season? Get your holiday decor and gifts early on at RAFT on November 16th-20th for our Pre-Black Friday Week Sale and on November 26th for our Black Friday One Day Sale! We have a great selection of holiday items at…

Renovated Volunteer Center Thanks To Rebuilding Together and DPR Construction

Oct 25, 2021 | Comments Off

With help from Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and DPR Construction, RAFT has a new and improved volunteer center. Thank you to the volunteers for revamping our volunteer center and providing an inviting space for our volunteers and staff. DPR Construction is a unique technical builder with…