With a donation from AT&T, young men in Alachua County will soon have the chance to gain experience in music, broadcast television and video production.
At 11 a.m. Friday, AT&T regional director Heather Duncan will present a $10,000 check to the Reichert House Youth Academy for boys at its 1704 SE Second Ave. location.
Karen McAllister, an AT&T media relations manager, said Duncan heard about the Reichert House in October and came up with the idea.
The Reichert House is an after-school program that helps Alachua youth with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, according to its website.
McAllister said the money will be used to teach students audio and video recording and production methods.
“We really appreciate having the chance to support the Reichert House and the work they do for young men in Gainesville,” McAllister said. “They really do make an impact in the community.”
She said Reichert House invited State Rep. Clovis Watson Jr. to the check presentation, where he will recognize the instructors and students. A demonstration of the academy’s audio and video equipment will follow the presentation.
John Alexander Jr., the executive director at Reichert House, said it’s important for donors to get a return on their investment.
“We are very, very thankful for them to even consider us for the opportunity to receive this grant,” Alexander said. “Beyond the grant, in the future, hopefully this can open doors for young men to gain internships and employment opportunities through AT&T.”
