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…

Upcoming Redwood City Store Closures

Jul 25, 2018 |

Please note, our Redwood City Location will be closed Wednesday and Thursday (July 25th and July 26th) preparing for our Back To School Event on Saturday, July 28. We look forward to seeing you then!

Upcoming Redwood City Store Closures

Jul 13, 2018 |

Please note, our Redwood City Location will be closed the following two Saturdays (July 14th and July 21st) for inventory and preparation for our big Back To School Event on Saturday, July 28. We will be operating normal business hours on Wednesday and Thursdays.

Back To School is right around the corner!

Jul 12, 2018 |

Back to School at RAFT will take place the following weekends: July 28 (Redwood City & Sunnyvale) August 4 (San Jose) New this year, a furniture blowout at our Warehouse and Volunteer Center on Saturday, July 28! We realize how popular our furniture is…

Earth Day 2018 – End Plastic Pollution!

Apr 17, 2018 |

I just watched a fascinating PBS video on how much plastic is in the ocean. Counting down to this year’s Earth Day on April 22nd, the video got me thinking about how teachers can help students become responsible consumers as well as future caretakers…

As the End of School Approaches, What’s Keeping You Afloat?

Apr 9, 2018 |

Do you ever get that sinking feeling that you have so much yet to do with your class, but you are running out of time? Feel like you are about to hit an iceberg around the corner with the end of school activities approaching?…

Campbell STEAM Showcase 2018

Apr 3, 2018 |

The enthusiasm was infectious March 28th on the grounds of Monroe Middle School! Everywhere parents, students, and teachers from Campbell Union School District explored and celebrated student innovation and creativity in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) at this year’s STEAM Showcase…