RAFT COVID-19 Response

Dear RAFT Family of Supporters,

We want to first let our community, and everyone, know that our hearts are with you during this difficult time. We also want to thank all teachers and educators for the work you do each year and all that you are doing now, especially in these uncertain times.

For decades RAFT has recognized the importance of educators and the profound impact that education has on individuals and the global community. Now, more than ever, people are realizing the importance of educators and the necessity of learning in students’ everyday lives.

RAFT is committed to supporting educators, parents, guardians, students, and their families during the coronavirus pandemic and associated shelter-in-place orders. We will continue to do this while being true to our mission: inspiring JOY through hands-on learning. And right now the global community needs JOY, while our students need to continue learning.

Here is how RAFT is supporting JOY in learning and our community during the crisis:

• STEAM Learning Activity Sheets
  RAFT is creating hundreds of new free online STEAM Learning Activity sheets that guide parents, guardians, and students through hands-on learning activities taking advantage of common household items and without the need to purchase additional materials. Parents can find new activities each day by specific grade level Pre-K to 8th. These activities are engaging and are a great way to educate and entertain kids bored at home (Mercury News).
• STEAM Project Kits
  RAFT has partnered with Synopsys Outreach Foundation and the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) to provide thousands of our RAFT STEAM Project Kits to school meal distribution sites in the county, which serve Title 1 students on the Free & Reduced Lunch programs to keep students, many who don’t have the internet, engaged during the associated school closures. KTVU Fox 2 has shared highlights of the work at the distribution sites. RAFT is seeking additional sponsors and partners so we can expand from the 14,000 that have been distributed to date to 30,000 in the next few weeks. These kits are also available for purchase through our online store.
• Educator Resources
  RAFT will still have our many existing resources developed primarily for teachers available on our site. Resources such as Classroom Idea Sheets, Teacher Tip Sheets, Integrated STEAM units, and more are available and downloadable for free.

All of our resources are aligned to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and will aid students in their retention of valuable STEAM knowledge all while experiencing the joy of hands-on learning. We hope these resources serve our educators, students, and families around the globe during this time of need.

Thank you and keep safe and healthy,

Jason Morrella
CEO