Our Mission

RAP mentors are dedicated volunteers who support students referred by school counselors or teachers. They inspire academic and personal growth, offering guidance and encouragement to help students navigate challenges, stay motivated to succeed and become productive citizens.

A Vision Becomes a Mission

In the spring of 1995, six dedicated Austin County women—Janet Butler, Pat Dalberg, Mary Emerson, Janet Frey, Barbara Levine, and Polly Sefcik—came together with a shared vision: to support the youth of their community. Their idea became a mission when Bellville High School principal Wayne Alexander appealed to the group for help in addressing the growing dropout rate. From this call to action, Raising Academic Performance, Inc. (RAP) was born.

Responding to Urgent Needs

At the time, approximately 20% of students in the area were considered at risk. Factors such as drug abuse, teen pregnancy, crime, poverty, and difficult emotional or educational backgrounds contributed to rising dropout numbers. RAP recognized that these students didn’t just need tutoring—they needed guidance, motivation, and a caring adult presence.

Building the Program

The founders traveled across Texas to learn from successful school-based mentoring programs. After months of research and careful planning, they developed a model tailored to the needs of Austin County: pairing trained volunteers with students in one-on-one mentorships. RAP officially launched in fall 1995 at Bellville High School with 19 mentors working with 21 students. By February 1996, the program expanded to Bellville Junior High, and by the following school year, RAP was active in Sealy ISD. In 1998, an advisory board was established to guide future growth, drawing support from across the county.

Continued Growth and Student Support

Through generous donations from individuals, local businesses, and community organizations, RAP has awarded academic scholarships to participating seniors and expanded its Extracurricular and Summer Activities program. The organization also provides targeted tutoring for students needing additional academic support, boosting both their confidence and their performance.