The US Army Research Office provided the Project Description . The Academy draws on extensive experience in successfully managing and administering youth science programs with a specific focus on science and science research, including the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia Program and the Young Inventor's Program . The ultimate goal of the Academy in managing and administering REAP is to provide quality programming and services which meet or exceed the expectations of both funding agency and program participants. Many have only a general idea of what a career in these areas entails, and little or no contact with adults doing this work. REAP student participants are exposed to the real world of these careers and are able to see themselves as scientists and researchers.
Mentors support professional growth and development, which in turn empowers the student.
The faculty members recruited for REAP provide excellent role models and students are able to interact with some of the best faculty in the country. The school and student benefit in terms of motivation, exposure to scientific careers, and positive role models. The universities have bright young people in their labs and realize they are providing them with experiences not normally available to them.