Different University

Hello,

My name is Matt Reeves, and for the last 20+ years, I have been using my tools of passion for reaching young people worldwide. Through music, fashion, basketball, and classroom discussions, I have been afforded the tremendous blessing of impacting lives with my words and actions.

About Me:

I began my coaching career at the tender age of 16. Entirely funded by paychecks from Pizza Hut, I ran a 10 & Under basketball team through NYC and played the best talent in that age range, most times playing up. At that same age, I was a youth leader at a local church and ran a bible study class at my high school. By age 17, I spoke at juvenile detention centers and in some of the roughest neighborhoods in NYC. In college, I majored in multidisciplinary studies focusing on psychology and sociology and a minor in criminal justice.

By age 24, I was working at a group home in Raleigh, NC as a paraprofessional/mentor to at-risk youth as part of a last-chance program. While also holding the title of a youth leader at the Raleigh Vineyard. Upon returning to NYC, I was hired as the girls' varsity assistant coach and worked as a paraprofessional under district 75. After starting my own basketball training company, I served as the skill and development coach to the girls' varsity team at The Patrick School (formerly known as the historic St. Pats in NJ). I've helped well over 100 players obtain academic and athletic scholarships throughout my career and have developed over 20 Division 1 players' both male and female.

There have been two constant things that I have heard throughout this journey. The first is "You should be a motivational speaker and start your mentoring program." The second one is "You should write a book." I've wrestled with this for years due to proper resources. But as the saying goes, you have not because you ask not. Below is a list of things your donations will help us purchase.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Video:

-2 4k Cameras. To be used to produce content for mentoring classes and associated podcasts and social media content.

-2 Boom Microphones

-4 Lenses

-2 Tripods

-1 Motorized Camera Rail

-2 Sets of headphones

-2 HDMI Cables

-2 Battery Packs

-2 External HD Monitors

-2 Comica LinkFlex AD3's

-Stream Switcher

-Light Kit

Audio:

-1 Podcast Mixer

-4 Dynamic Microphones

-4 Cloud Lifters

-4 Headphones

Learning Materials:

-1 Heavy Duty Projector Screen

-3 Books (Of our choosing for program reading)

Stationery supplies, i.e., notebooks, journals, and pens. (all items will have the program name on them)

Large mobile whiteboard and dry-erase markers

Bluetooth Speaker to be used for presentations.

Signage:

DU Banners to decorate the classroom space.

Custom Apparel:

Each student will receive a goodie bag consisting of a custom DU backpack, a custom DU hoodie, a custom DU hat, and a custom DU T-shirt.

This program will be an 8-week course consisting of classroom/streamyard presentations, potential internship opportunities, reading assignments, one trip, and an award ceremony. The course title is The Passion Project. The goal is to help each participant discover their passion and find unique ways to execute their plans while acquiring life and social skills that will help them for years.

As I continue to witness countless struggles among young people today regarding self-esteem issues, confidence, and effective communication, I feel even more compelled to start this program. However, I need help to get things off the ground. I am asking for your donations to help create this life-changing program. Please take some time to watch the attached video.