RAFT Blog, News, and Events

Featured Articles and News

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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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CSI:RAFT 2022 Annual Fundraiser

Sep 21, 2022 | Comments Off on CSI:RAFT 2022 Annual Fundraiser

On September 21, 2022, RAFT hosted its annual fundraising event. This year’s event, CSI:RAFT, highlighted what resources are needed to have an engaging classroom. We had over 100 in-person attendees while 20 joined us online. During the hybrid event, guests were able to learn…

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The RAFT Educator Workroom has a new look!

Sep 17, 2022 | Comments Off on The RAFT Educator Workroom has a new look!

On September 17, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley and volunteers from DPR Construction spent the day at RAFT remodeling our Educator Workroom. The program was kicked off by Valentina Sanchez of DPR, Ryan Monger and Victoria Chang of Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley, and Jason Morrella…

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RAFT to Support Alum Rock Union School District in STEAM Learning Initiatives

Sep 15, 2022 | Comments Off on RAFT to Support Alum Rock Union School District in STEAM Learning Initiatives

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Through their recently-formed partnership, Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) will be offering various services that enrich the STEAM learning initiatives of the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) over the school year. Various hands-on activities, workshops, and events will be…

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Michael S. Pollock: 20 Years of ‘Found Engineering’

Sep 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Michael S. Pollock: 20 Years of ‘Found Engineering’

Today, September 10, 2022, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Michael S. Pollock, our one and only Making Wizard Engineer, at RAFT.  Prior to joining RAFT, Mike was a teacher for over twenty-five years and was always passionate about science. He enjoys giving kids…

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17+ Years With RAFT Store!

Jun 29, 2022 | Comments Off on 17+ Years With RAFT Store!

by Arlyne Nava Introducing Lilia At RAFT Store Meet Lilia Mata Vazquez, an engagement coordinator who’s been with RAFT Store for 17 years.  When Lilia and her sister were both job searching through an employment agency, her sister was placed first. That’s when a…

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RAFT STEAM Teachers of the Year 2022

May 31, 2022 | Comments Off on RAFT STEAM Teachers of the Year 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…

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