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 Receives $15,000 Grant From StopWaste

Aug 11, 2015 | Comments Off

StopWaste supports Resource Area for Teaching in upcycling repurposed materials into inspiring hands-on learning tools August 11, 2015 – Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) has just been awarded a “Reuse Operating Grant” from StopWaste, a public agency responsible for reducing the waste stream in Alameda County.…

Giving Positive Reinforcement to Inspire Your Students

Aug 6, 2015 |

By Eric Welker, Master Teacher and Activity Developer, RAFT Positive reinforcement is simple and necessary in all classrooms – but can be forgotten while class rigor becomes more demanding. Here are some easy tips to remind ourselves to praise our students daily. 1. Have…

New Colorado STEMworks database spotlights successful STEM programs

Jul 24, 2015 | Comments Off

Expanding database connects educators to the state’s successful STEM supporters Denver, Colo. – A powerful new resource for Colorado educators, students, and STEM supporters — the Colorado STEMworks database — will make it easier than ever to partner with successful STEM (science, technology, engineering,…

Hope Services Team Up With RAFT

Jul 16, 2015 | Comments Off

July 16, 2015 – Hope Services volunteer at Resource Area for Teaching to help improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT), the San Jose-based nonprofit organization committed to hands-on learning, has long focused on supporting teaching…

Let’s Talk Innovation: Adapting Ideas From RAFT’s Innovation Institute for Your Curriculum

Jul 15, 2015 |

By Jen Rodgers, 8th Grade Science Teacher Last summer I attended RAFT’s two-day “Innovation Institute.” It would take several posts to share with you everything I learned and was able to apply to my classroom. However I would like to share one activity with…