RAFT Blog, News, and Events

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 Wins Double Gold in Bay Area Parent’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards!

July 29, 2025

RAFT is proud to announce that our STEAM Dream Summer Camp has been awarded Gold in two categories in Bay Area Parent Magazine’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards: 🥇 Best Day Camp – Silicon Valley 🥇 Best Science & Technology Camp – Silicon Valley This exciting recognition reflects the strength and impact of RAFT’s…

DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

Feb 27, 2025 | Comments Off

Empowering Newcomers Through Hands-On STEAM Learning In Summer 2024, students at Oak Grove School District‘s Newcomer Summer Academy embarked on an innovative hands-on STEAM adventure. Through RAFT’s creative reuse materials and engaging activity kits, 75 students explored the mysteries of space while strengthening their…

Sparking Curiosity through Hands-On Learning with Jeffrey and Maureen Fox

Feb 26, 2025 | Comments Off

For over 30 years, RAFT has provided resources and support to local educators and students. RAFT’s commitment to hands-on learning for STEAM subjects has evolved to include activities such as STEAM Project Kits, as well as programs like our Makerspace and Maker Mobile activities,…

Maker Mobile Highlights: Welcoming Our Next Cohort of Near-Peer Mentors!

Jan 28, 2025 | Comments Off

At RAFT, we believe in the power of mentorship, hands-on learning, and fostering a love for STEAM. Our Maker Mobile Mentor Program, done in partnership with the Synopsys Outreach Foundation, continues to grow, and we’re thrilled to introduce our second cohort of incredible mentors!…

In Memory of Wayne Suzuki

Nov 6, 2024 | Comments Off

We at RAFT are sad to share that a long time hero of the RAFT community, Wayne Suzuki, has passed away. Since the start of RAFT, Wayne has been an integral part of the organization over the course of our 30 year history. Wayne…

RAFT’s $5 Million Endowment: Securing the Future of Education

Oct 30, 2024 | Comments Off

RAFT has taken a bold step towards securing the future of hands-on learning with the announcement of a $5 million endowment. This fund will ensure affordable STEAM materials for educators and provide ongoing support for innovation in education. Learn how RAFT is building a lasting impact for generations to come.

Maker Mobile Highlights: Shoutout to Our Near-Peer Mentors

Sep 26, 2024 | Comments Off

At RAFT, we believe in the power of hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to inspire creativity and innovation among young students. Our Maker Mobile brings STEAM learning directly to schools and communities in the greater Bay Area, engaging K-8 students…