Approve Inventory Item No. 310 to provide a grant to Resource Area for Teaching in the amount of $10,000 relating to advancing educational equity by providing low-income students with equal access to standards rich in STEAM learning, and refer item for final consideration and approval on June 18, 2026. (Duong)
The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This document outlines a proposal from Supervisor Betty Duong to the Board of Supervisors regarding a budget inventory item for a grant to the Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT). The grant of $10,000 aims to support educational equity by providing low-income students access to STEAM learning resources. The proposal includes details on the benefits to students and educators, the sustainability of RAFT's initiatives, and the steps following approval.
Key points
Proposal for a $10,000 grant to Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT).
The grant aims to provide STEAM Project Kits and training resources to support at least 500 students in Title 1 schools.
RAFT repurposes materials from local businesses to create educational resources.
The proposal includes benefits for children and seniors in families served by the funding.
No significant sustainability implications are noted.
RAFT has been operating since 1994 and serves a large number of educators and students annually.
Limitations
The document appears to be a draft as it includes placeholders for dates and lacks final approval details.
The exact date of final consideration is mentioned but not confirmed.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 4,645 chars
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Supervisorial District Two Supervisor Betty Duong 128699 DATE: May 13, 2026 TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: Betty Duong, Supervisor SUBJECT: Budget Inventory Item No. 310 – Resource Area for Teaching RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve Inventory Item No. 310 to provide a grant to Resource Area for Teaching in the amount of $10,000 relating to advancing educational equity by providing low-income students with equal access to standards rich in STEAM learning, and refer item for final consideration and approval on June 18, 2026. (Duong) FISCAL IMPLICATIONS There is a one-time cost of $10,000. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION This proposed grant will go towards providing STEAM Project Kits and training resources to support at least 500 students in Title 1 schools in Santa Clara County. This will advance education equity by providing the students with equal access to standards-rich STEAM education learning. Using donated, recycled materials received from 200+ technology and business partners throughout Santa Clara County, Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) creates standards-aligned projects, design, and engineering challenges to accelerate the impact of...
This document is a cover sheet for a funding request from the Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) to the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. RAFT is requesting $10,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing support for children and families and promoting sustainability. The funding is intended for countywide activities from June 2026 to June 2027. RAFT has previously received funding from the County for similar programs and currently holds a grant for $10,000 to promote STEAM learning in underserved schools. The document indicates that RAFT can utilize partial funding effectively.
Key points
Entity requesting funding: Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT)
Current grant with County: $10,000 for promoting STEAM learning
Funding will not be used for prohibited purposes
Supervisor requesting approval: Supervisor Duong
Limitations
The document does not specify the type of entity/individuals beyond nonprofit.
There are unresolved placeholders regarding fiscal sponsors and other funding applications.
The document does not provide specific details on the strategic priorities supported beyond those checked.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 3,454 chars
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Budget Inventory Item Cover Sheet Entity or Individual(s) requesting funding: Resource Area For Teaching Amount of funding requested: 10000 Type of Entity/Individual(s): Governmental Entity Other: ✔ Nonprofit Entity For-Profit Entity Note: Nonprofit and for-profit entities must provide current Certificate of Status from Secretary of State showing good standing to receive funding. Does Entity/Individual have a Fiscal Sponsor? ✔ No Yes (please identify): A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit that is taking on responsibility for accepting and/or disbursing funds on behalf of the grantee or sponsored entity. Note: Fiscal Sponsors are available only for new initiatives or projects that have not yet incorporated, or for individuals. Nonprofits that are not in good standing with the California Secretary of State, and for-profit entities, may not use a fiscal sponsor. Geographical reach of program or activities to be funded: ✔ Countywide Or specific district(s) (check all that apply): District 2 District 1 District 3 District 4 District 5 Multi-year? No ✔ Yes Levine Act: The entity/individual will provide required Levine Act disclosures prior to...
The document contains public comments in support of Agenda Item No. 264 for the Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT). Two individuals, Karen Rohde and Loretta Li-Sevilla, express their support for RAFT, highlighting its role in providing hands-on learning resources for STEAM education since 1994. They emphasize the importance of RAFT's programs in supporting educators and engaging students across Santa Clara County, as well as its environmental contributions by upcycling materials.
Key points
Karen Rohde supports Agenda Item No. 264 for RAFT.
RAFT has been providing educational resources since 1994.
RAFT serves thousands of students and educators in Santa Clara County.
Loretta Li-Sevilla also supports Agenda Item No. 264 for RAFT.
RAFT helps divert materials from landfills by upcycling them.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 2,960 chars
BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Karen Rohde Friday, May 8, 2026 2:13 PM BoardOperations D2Inventory; 'Katherine Ball' [EXTERNAL] Support for Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) Dear County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to you in support of approval of Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT). Since 1994, RAFT has been providing hands-on learning resources to help teachers teach STEAM subjects and help students experience the joy of learning. Their San Jose location provides affordable materials and workshops to ensure our educators are supported in their teaching and our students have access to engaging educational experiences. Their programs and services serve thousands of students and educators across Santa Clara County. I have served on the Board of Directors of RAFT for six years and currently serve on RAFT’sAdvisory Board. I have been able to witness firsthand the difference their programs and services have made in the lives of thousands of students and educators across Santa Clara County. RAFT is a truly unique and remarkable resource, helping to ensure that our students have the necessary skills and aptitudes to...
The document contains multiple public comments in support of Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT). Various individuals express their support for RAFT, highlighting its role in providing hands-on learning resources for STEAM education since 1994. They emphasize the importance of RAFT's affordable materials and workshops for educators and students across Santa Clara County.
RAFT has been providing hands-on learning resources for STEAM subjects since 1994.
The organization offers affordable materials and workshops to support educators.
RAFT serves thousands of students and educators across Santa Clara County.
Limitations
The document contains multiple identical comments, which may not provide diverse perspectives.
Some comments reference specific individuals and their affiliations, but many are generic.
There are unresolved placeholders in the text, such as email addresses and specific details about the agenda item.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 17,037 chars
BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Carlos P Mino Friday, May 8, 2026 5:59 PM BoardOperations D2Inventory; Katherine Ball [EXTERNAL] Support for Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area For Teaching Dear County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to you in support of approval of Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT). Since 1994, RAFT has been providing hands-on learning resources to help teachers teach STEAM subjects and help students experience the joy of learning. Their San Jose location provides affordable materials and workshops to ensure our educators are supported in their teaching and our students have access to engaging educational experiences. Their programs and services serve thousands of students and educators across Santa Clara County, including my own school. I look forward to continuing my support, and I hope the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County will join my support of RAFT. Kind regards, Carlos — Carlos Miño 1 BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Priya Venkat RAFT Friday, May 8, 2026 7:21 PM BoardOperations D2Inventory [EXTERNAL] Support for Agenda Item No. 264 for Resource Area For Teaching Dear County Board of...
Francis Rivas expresses support for the renewal of grant funding for Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT), highlighting its impact on education and access to STEAM curriculum for all students.
Key points
Francis Rivas is a Bilingual RAFT Educator.
The letter is addressed to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
Rivas emphasizes the importance of RAFT for hands-on learning and instructional innovation.
The letter advocates for the grant renewal to support educational equity.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 1,053 chars
BoardOperations From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Francis Rivas Tuesday, May 12, 2026 1:19 AM BoardOperations D2Inventory; kball@raft.net [EXTERNAL] County Inventory Grant Support: RAFT Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the renewal of grant funding for Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT). I've seen how this organization impacts our educational community, and I'm confident that RAFT is essential for hands-on learning and instructional innovation that values sustainability. RAFT ensures that all students, regardless of their school’s socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality STEAM curriculum and materials. The continued support of this grant is an investment in a proven model that empowers credentialed teachers like myself and inspires students to see the world as a laboratory for possibility. I strongly urge the committee to approve the renewal of this grant to ensure RAFT can continue its indispensable work in our schools. Sincerely, Francis Rivas Bilingual RAFT Educator 1