The mission of RRI is to promote athletic and academic excellence, leadership attributes and to stress the importance of teamwork and commitment in underprivileged youth in New Orleans as they strive to earn a path to college and become productive members of the community.Service Program Highlights • The Road to Higher Education. RRI is built upon a foundation of best practices in youth educational development. It offers several structured activities including homework assistance, tutoring, and preparation for standardized tests such as LEAP, ACT and SAT. In order to stimulate learning, RRI engages children in innovative learning activities that build upon, but are different from, regular school studies.• Preventing Violence and Drug Use. RRI's goal is to prevent violence and drug use in youth by building their interest in school and their own future. This is also accomplished by focusing on their attitude, beliefs, expectations and desires related to violence and drug use. That is then channeled into a conscious effort to rebuild social ties, self-control and develop social skills. • Role Model and Peer Mentoring. Under the mentorship program, RRI nurtures and empowers youth, by providing them with a positive influence, personal and professional development, and post-secondary opportunities for the future. RRI's innovative program recruits volunteers from colleges and universities as well as the local business community.• Summer Track Club. Athletics plays an integral part in youth development. RRI has established itself as one of the preeminent summer track clubs in New Orleans. In 2013, 33 athletes qualified for the district track meet. 13 of them went on to the Regional Championships with 9 going even further to the National Junior Olympic Championships.