RAP brings together area high school students, who are mentored by Brown University undergraduates in the design and implementation of social science research. A variety of selection methods are used to contact and identify participants. These methods are described in detail in the report. Each participant keeps a journal and gives an oral presentation at the end of the program. Additional seminars in which they participate during the summer focus on applying to college and securing financial aid.
Students receive a stipend for their participation.
The purpose of the RAP program is to help students develop skills that will be useful in both school and work environments. The program's primary focus is to provide an academic enrichment experience in which participants actively engage in both the development and process of the program. The workplace for the participants is a learning environment. The students learn by gaining hands-on experience while engaging in active participation. The participants learn that every activity in which they engage has current and future utility.