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…

How does math relate to real life?

Sep 15, 2015 |

By Jeanne Lazzarini, Math Master Educator/R&D Specialist, RAFTHow does math relate to real life? One way is to take a look at the shape of a cloud, a mountain, a coastline, or a tree! You might be surprised to find that many patterns in…

RAFT Hires work2future Participants

Aug 31, 2015 | Comments Off

RAFT and work2future connect to focus on community support for youths seeking employment. August 31, 2015 – Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) has employed two work2future participants as retail and kit production assistants for their San Jose, California location. The work2future Foundation offers programs funded…

Using Personal Stories to Encourage Good Behavior

Aug 28, 2015 |

By Earlene Coleman, Special Education M.A. After teaching Special Education for twenty-five years, I’ve found that sharing personal stories with my students helps build positive relationships. How NOT to be around your students Now that the school year is off to a start, teachers…

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,…