RAFT Blog, News, and Events

Featured Articles and News

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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DreamBox Impact Series: Oak Grove School District

February 27, 2025

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 English language skills, guided by 3 dedicated teachers. Hands-on learning is…

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

February 26, 2025

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, and most recently a STEAM Dream Summer Camp for students around…

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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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Sares Regis Supports Maker Mobile Visit to Costano Elementary

Mar 11, 2022 | Comments Off on Sares Regis Supports Maker Mobile Visit to Costano Elementary

RAFT would like to thank the Sares Regis Foundation for providing a grant to support the students and teachers at Costano Elementary.  On February 15, RAFT worked with Costano makerspace teacher Bill Correll (Mr.Bill) to bring the Maker Mobile to Costano Elementary to serve…

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