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…

Annual Fundraiser Recap: Level Up for STEAM Education

Sep 20, 2024 | Comments Off

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, RAFT hosted its annual fundraising event: Level Up. Over 140 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…

RAFT Hall of Fame | Class of 2024

Sep 20, 2024 | Comments Off

Congratulations to our 2024 STEAM Educators of the Year, RAFT Hero, RAFT Volunteers of the Year, and RAFT Partner of the Year! Thank you for all you do for our educators, students, our community, and RAFT! STEAM Educators of the Year Rebecca Balster Ocala…

RAFT Teams Up with Ross Stores Foundation to Enhance STEAM Education

Sep 4, 2024 | Comments Off

At RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching), we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning that ignites curiosity and fosters creativity. We are excited to share that, thanks to a substantial grant from the Ross Stores Foundation,…

Empowering Girls in STEM

Jul 31, 2024 | Comments Off

Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) is excited to announce a partnership with High-Tech High Heels Silicon Valley (HTHH-SV) and Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG). As all three organizations are committed to more accessible STEAM learning for underrepresented groups, this project will help increase accessibility…

Thank You, Teachers: KLA Foundation Partners with RAFT to Support Educators

Apr 30, 2024 | Comments Off

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the KLA Foundation and Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) will provide all TK-8 teachers at Santa Clara Unified School District and Milpitas Unified School District with a year of RAFT membership and $50 in-store credit to support their…

From Screens to Hands-on STEAM

Feb 28, 2024 | Comments Off

In the wake of a global pandemic that required students to do much of their learning from home in front of a screen, hands-on experiences that spark joy and discovery are more relevant-and needed-than ever. Long before 2020, however, RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching)…