One main area of work is their STEAM/STEAM kits, which are made from recycled materials donated by local companies. “Each year, we divert about 300 tons of materials from ending up in landfills,” says Kate Ball, Director of Development at RAFT. “When we have those materials, we take a look at them and see their different respective attributes.” Kits are then conceptualized with the help of educators, who work to keep them in line with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in alignment California state requirements.
“Science instructional minutes has been a huge challenge over the last few years,” says Ball. “A lot of times too, teachers don't feel like they have access or understanding of, say, the tech industry. What we do is try to make those subjects accessible for the teachers as well, so they feel confident leading their students through these lessons.”
RAFT also contributes to equitable education in other ways, including their Maker Mobiles, which are two vans equipped with technology and materials to be able to bring hands-on activities typically found only in a makerspace. “We make it more accessible for more schools by having a van come out and bring those activities out there,” says Ball. “We’re also very focused on expanding what we call our STEAM Dream program. This year, we're hosting over 1000 students at different campsites using all the RAFT kits. Credo actually helped pack the kits for our STEAM Dream Camp,” she laughs.
Companies like Credo in Silicon Valley also donate equipment and other classroom essentials that are then sold at discounted prices to teachers. “The other side of it is just affordability. Teachers are often expected to pay out of pocket to supply their classrooms, and so that can be a burden.”
In line with Goal 4 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Credo aims to support and ensure inclusive, equitable, and affordable education opportunities for all. Continuing our work with Year Up, a tuition-free job training program also in the Bay Area, by volunteering with RAFT and helping to provide resources, Credo aims to be a good neighbor to the surrounding community and establish working relationships with various community organizations.
“We started at the same time that a lot of companies started up in the Silicon Valley area,” says Ball. “So, we're very proud of the partnerships that we have with companies like Credo that not only offer their recycled materials, but also offer the time of their employees to volunteer to help pack our kits and create those supplies for teachers in the classroom.”
When asked about what the biggest thing an individual could do to support RAFT, Ball stresses the importance of having volunteers come in and help. “I think it really helps people understand what the education community is like in the Bay Area especially.”
“RAFT is really trying to be that resource through our donating materials and through our kits and through our programs that we're able to bring those things at a very low cost to our teachers,” says Ball.” Through the generosity of organizations like Credo, we're able to bring those things through a grant or a gift to a specific school or to a district for free or at a very low cost so that they can have access to those things.”
We look forward to seeing RAFT again at their 30th anniversary ball in September!
