Uncategorized Archives

At RAFT, we believe in the power of hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to inspire creativity and innovation among young students. Our Maker Mobile brings STEAM learning directly to schools and communities in the greater Bay Area, engaging K-8 students with exciting activities that spark curiosity and problem-solving skills. A crucial…

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, RAFT hosted its annual fundraising event: Level Up. Over 140 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 community. Guests…

Congratulations to our 2024 STEAM Educators of the Year, RAFT Hero, RAFT Volunteers of the Year, and RAFT Partner of the Year! Thank you for all you do for our educators, students, our community, and RAFT! STEAM Educators of the Year Rebecca Balster Ocala STEAM Academy, ARUSD STEAM Teacher of the Year presented by Cisco…

This week is the last chance to visit our Redwood City location. Please note die-cutting and laminating will not be available this week as we prepare for the move. We are holding an inventory liquidation sale running through Saturday, June 29th (during our normal operating days and times). We will be discounting all donated materials by 75% and…

Please note, our Redwood City Location will be closed Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday August 15th, 16th and 18th in order to support our San Jose store through staffing challenges. We will re-open per our normal schedule next week. Thank you for your patience and hope to see you at our San Jose Store!

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 more about RAFT, honor the people and organizations that have made…

RAFT is heartbroken by the violent, racist attacks against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The latest attacks are only the most recent examples of a horrifying increase in harassment and violence against the AAPI community, largely fueled by divisive, xenophobic sentiments. RAFT condemns this despicable behavior, and we stand in solidarity with…

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 coworker of Lilia’s sister mentioned to the manager, “Since Lilia’s sister…

RAFT would like to thank the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto for providing a grant to support the students and teachers at East Palo Alto Academy (EPAA) in their STEAM initiatives over the past year. During the early days of distance learning, RAFT provided STEAM Project Kits and Learning Activity Sheets to EPAA. With these…

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 100 fifth grade students. Students were challenged to create a Rube…