News
From Screens to Hands-on STEAM
In the wake of a global pandemic that required students to do much of their learning from home in front of a screen, hands-on experiences that spark joy and discovery are more relevant—and needed—than ever. Long before 2020, however, RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) was on a mission to help educators and parents in Santa…
Read MoreWatch out 2024! RAFT’s Education Team Leadership is expanding with 2 exciting additions
If you’ve heard of RAFT before, odds are it’s been in connection with our STEAM Dream Camp or Maker Mobile programming, both of which have been favorites among the SF Bay Area’s student and educator community alike. This year, we’ve seen enormous success in both areas of RAFT’s organization. Thanks to an incredible $100,000 grant…
Read MoreRAFT is Bay Area Parent’s Best of the Best (Again!)
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.
Read MoreA Successful Voyage
On September 23, 2020 the SS RAFT took sail. During the virtual event, guests were able to learn more about RAFT, honor people and organizations that have had a profound impact on the education community, and learn what RAFT is doing to support joy in learning during these uncertain times. We were able to raise…
Read More2021 Found At RAFT Special Event
On September 22, 2021, RAFT hosted it’s annual event, Found At RAFT. The resources that educators, parents, and students need for success can be Found at RAFT. During the virtual event, guests were able to learn more about RAFT, honor people and organizations that have had a profound impact on the education community, as well…
Read MoreArista Funds RAFT Makerspace Build at Local Elementary School
With its goal to provide educators with STEAM learning resources, Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT), a non-profit organization founded in 1994, organized a makerspace build for the Kathryn Hughes Elementary School in Santa Clara. RAFT believes that makerspaces are a great way to encourage curiosity and hands-on STEAM learning. Using a wide selection of upcycled…
Read MoreRAFT 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 held with the goals of increasing student, parent, and community engagement…
Read MoreRAFT 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 of the following areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math. RAFT…
Read MoreRAFT Hall of Fame | Class of 2021
Congratulations to our 2021 STEAM Teachers of the Year, RAFT Heroes, RAFT Partner of the Year and RAFT Volunteer Award winners! Thank you for all you do for our students, our education community, and RAFT! STEAM Teachers of the Year Melissa NakamuraLagunita Elementary School STEAM Teacher of the Year presented by KPMG Mrs. Nakamura is…
Read MorePaying Tribute to Nigel Ball
The RAFT family is sad to share the passing of our current board member and longtime friend and supporter, Nigel Ball. “During the many years that I had the joy of knowing Nigel, I found him to be a kindred spirit. He shared my passion for RAFT and found similar joy in supporting teachers as…
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