What is the RAP program? Raising Academic Performance, Inc. (RAP) identifies and assists students at risk of dropping out of school by recruiting, training and providing volunteer mentors to motivate students to improve their academic performance, social skills and/or family relations. What are RAP's goals? To recruit and train volunteer mentors for at-risk students To encourage and motivate students toward academic success To reduce the dropout rate To provide tutors for students who meet specific qualifications To provide scholarships for selected students To provide educational awareness programs dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, emotional problems and other issues To create an atmosphere of community involvement in its youth How does RAP work? Students are referred to RAP by the classroom teacher and/or school counselor. Students may be selected for low academic achievement, discipline programs or family difficulties. The child may also be one who simply needs extra encouragement and support. Parents or guardians are required to sign a permission form before their child can participate in the program. Volunteers are trained in effective and empathetic listening, relating and encouraging. Trained and qualified mentors are matched to students. The mentor visits with his/her assigned student for one hour each week only during school hours and on school grounds. During the visit, the mentor may help the student with schoolwork, talk about what's going on at school or with friends, and provide a strong, positive role model for the student. Discussion groups and awareness programs are held periodically to assist mentors. The progress of mentors and students is tracked monthly. How does RAP help? Students develop a more positive self-image through one-on-one interaction with a mentor Students' academic skills improve RAP strengthens the bond between student, the school and the community Who is a RAP mentor? A person who cares about children and their education Screened, qualified and trained individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and all segments of the community A person with a positive self-image who is willing to offer a helping hand A person who demonstrates and articulates effective interpersonal skills An encourager, a guide, a facilitator, a friend, a giver and a guiding light What role does the school play? The school administrator and staff are primarily responsible for the students, their education and well-being. The school has final approval of all decisions. RAP mentors work under the direction of the principal, the school counselor and the RAP contact person. Young children, the most vulnerable to negative influences, are also the most receptive to change. RAP helps children develop self-esteem and gives them confidence in their ability to learn. Providing guidance and building individual, one-on-one relationships yield enormous improvement in student attendance, achievement and self-esteem. Most of us remember that one person from our childhood who had the most positive impact on our lives. The RAP board members and volunteers want to insure that every child has the opportunity to be encouraged by someone special. What distinguishes RAP from other mentor programs? For additional information, please contact: Raising Academic Performance, Inc. P.O. Box 1129 Bellville, TX  77418 Phone:  979-877-0078 email: Lari Samford