RAFT Blog, News, and Events

Featured Articles and News

Bringing Hands-On STEAM Learning to San Diego Educators

May 18, 2025

RAFT recently had the pleasure of participating in the San Diego STEAM Educators Conference at the University of San Diego from May 16-17. The event brought together hundreds of teachers from across the state committed to advancing STEAM education across Southern California. Nancy McIntyre, RAFT’s new Community Engagement Manager, represented our team at the conference,…

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From Honoree to Advocate: A STEAM Award’s Ripple Effect

May 14, 2025

At RAFT, we believe in celebrating educators who bring STEAM to life through hands-on learning. Our STEAM Teachers and Administrators of the Year Awards honor those who go above and beyond-and sometimes, that recognition inspires something even bigger. Just ask Bryan Williams, a past STEAM Teacher of the Year award recipient who later nominated another…

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DreamBox Impact Series: Milpitas Unified School District

April 1, 2025

Engaging EL and SPED Learners Through Hands-On STEAM For the past two summers, RAFT has partnered with Milpitas Unified School District to bring hands-on STEAM learning to the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) summer program. This past summer, 230 fourth- through sixth-grade Special Education (SPED) and English Learner (EL) students became environmental engineers-designing water filtration…

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Bringing Stories to Life: RAFT’s Intersession Program at Northwood Elementary

March 18, 2025

This winter, Northwood Elementary students in Berryessa School District embarked on a creative journey through RAFT’s three-day Intersession program. Designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning, the program engaged 66 students in grades K-5 in the art of puppet-making, storytelling, and performance, culminating in a special showcase for families. Student-made marionette puppets displayed with crafting…

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2022 Fall Sale & Membership Drive

Oct 2, 2022 | Comments Off on 2022 Fall Sale & Membership Drive

As we were welcomed by cooler temperatures and falling leaves, RAFT held its annual Membership Drive on October 1st and 2nd, 2022. On Saturday, RAFT brought out its best and deeply discounted items from the store for a Parking Lot Sale open to the…

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RAFT Hall of Fame | Class of 2022

Sep 21, 2022 | Comments Off on RAFT Hall of Fame | Class of 2022

Congratulations to our 2022 STEAM Teachers of the Year, RAFT Heroes, RAFT Volunteer Awardees, and RAFT Partner of the Year! Thank you for all you do for our educators, students, our community, and RAFT! STEAM Teachers of the Year Kim Brown STEAM Teacher, Raymond…

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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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