In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Brenda Stewart, Executive Director of Raising Academic Performance (RAP) — a local nonprofit that’s making a life-changing difference for students across Austin County.
Brenda walks us through how RAP pairs adult mentors with students in local school districts, offering weekly one-on-one sessions that build trust, motivation, and academic confidence. Whether you’re familiar with mentoring or hearing about it for the first time, Brenda’s passion for helping kids succeed is infectious.
We explore what a typical RAP mentoring session looks like, how mentors are trained and supported, and how RAP collaborates with schools like Sealy ISD, Bellville ISD, and Brazos ISD. From personal stories to measurable outcomes, you’ll hear how something as simple as “showing up once a week” can have a powerful ripple effect in a student’s life.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, this episode might just inspire you to become a mentor.
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Brenda Stewart and the mission of RAP
⏰ 02:15 – What does a RAP mentor actually do?
⏰ 04:06 – How RAP started and Brenda’s path to leadership
⏰ 06:49 – The mentor-student relationship and its impact
⏰ 09:03 – What kind of students participate in RAP?
⏰ 10:42 – Stories of real success and transformation
⏰ 13:15 – How mentoring helps build confidence and trust
⏰ 15:31 – The logistics: training, background checks, and scheduling
⏰ 17:55 – What schools RAP serves and how referrals work
⏰ 20:21 – Why RAP works—and how to get involved
⏰ 22:03 – Final thoughts and how to sign up as a mentor