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…

RAFT Stands in Solidarity with the AAPI Community

Mar 24, 2021 | Comments Off

RAFT is heartbroken by the violent, racist attacks against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The latest attacks are only the most recent examples of a horrifying increase in harassment and violence against the AAPI community, largely fueled by divisive, xenophobic sentiments.…

Engineering Design Challenge: Cat Care

Mar 9, 2021 | Comments Off

Students engage in engineering challenges created and facilitated by RAFT staff that take advantage of household materials and/or use RAFT supplied materials. Challenges can be live or asynchronous. RAFT will showcase student design solutions on our social media platforms. This is a great way…

RAFT Spring Sale

Feb 22, 2021 | Comments Off

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Featured: Pratik’s Dream Playground Project

Jan 13, 2021 | Comments Off

We love inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and creators! Here’s a young engineer at work: Pratik Patel, a 2nd grader from the San Ramon Valley School District, took part in RAFT’s Dream Playground Design Challenge program. Pratik built a dream playground…

A Successful Voyage

Sep 24, 2020 | Comments Off

On September 23, 2020 the SS RAFT took sail. During the virtual event, guests were able to learn more about RAFT, honor people and organizations that have had a profound impact on the education community, and learn what RAFT is doing to support joy…

RAFT Hall of Fame | Class of 2020

Sep 23, 2020 | Comments Off

Congratulations to our 2020 STEAM Teachers of the Year, RAFT Heroes, and RAFT Volunteer Award winners! Thank you for all you do for our students, our education community, and RAFT! STEAM Teachers of the Year Meredith JonesMission Park Elementary STEAM Teacher of the Year…