After School Matters - Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is After School Matters?
After School Matters (ASM) is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and Community-Based Organizations to expand out-of-school opportunities for Chicago teens.
Through ASM programs, teens can safely take part in activities that offer positive relationships, skills that translate into the workplace, and exposure to career and educational opportunities throughout the city.
Where are ASM programs located?
ASM programs take place all across Chicago. Currently, ASM programs are offered in 58 public high schools and close to 111 Community-Based Organizations. Click here for program locations.
What kinds of programs does ASM offer?
ASM focuses on two core areas of programming that help teens build skills for the future: apprenticeships and club activities.
- Apprenticeships are hands-on, interactive programs led by skilled professionals in which teens have the opportunity to explore different career paths and develop marketable skills such as teamwork and problem solving. Teens advance along a Ladder of Opportunity from a Pre-Apprenticeships to an Advanced Apprenticeships and Internships. Apprentices receive a stipend for their work and attendance is required. Teens apply online and interview for the apprenticeships just as they would if they were interviewing for a job. These programs include gallery37, sports37, tech37, science37, and words37.
- In club37, teens can participate in a variety of fun, drop-in activities in a safe, structured environment under the supervision of a caring adult. Some club activities include hip-hop dance, jewelry making, board games, and lots of sports and fitness activities.
How can my company support ASM or make a donation?
Visit our Sponsor page.
Teen Programs
How old do you have to be to participate in ASM?
Most ASM programs are open to Chicago teens ages 14-19, except for Advanced Apprenticeships (ages 14-21) and Internships (ages 16-21). Priority is given to teens that attend participating high schools. You can also apply at a partnering Community-Based Organization in your neighborhood.
How can I find out if ASM programs are at my school?
Refer to the locations page.
How can I learn more about ASM programs?
If you attend a participating high school, you can attend the ASM Recruitment Expo each semester in the fall and spring. There, you can talk to Instructors and former apprentices to learn more and complete an online application.
How do I apply?
Refer to Apply to a Program page
Run a Program (Instructors)
How do I know what my program will be about?
You design your program. The Request for Proposals asks you to explain your idea through questions that target specific ideas that encourage quality programs. Click here for RFP information.
What time will my program run?
During the school year, programs are intended to begin after school, which is generally between 3 and 4 pm.
When does the program start and end?
Fall programs begin the first week in October and Spring programs the first week in February. All apprenticeship programs last 10 weeks each semester. Clubs and NeighborSports last 12 weeks in the fall and 18 weeks in the spring.
Summer programs begin first week of July and last 6 weeks.
How many hours per week is the program?
Club37 and Mayor Daley's NeighborSports League programs average 2 hours per day, 2 days per week.
Pre-Apprenticeships run 3 hours per day, 2 days per week.
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships run 3 hours per day, 3 days per week.
What if I can only work on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays?
Indicate this in your proposal and After School Matters will look for a site that can accommodate your schedule.
What if I get sick one day?
As soon as you know you will not be able to attend a program day, you must contact your regional team immediately. They will help inform all parties involved and reschedule for another day, if appropriate.
Can I work with a partner?
All apprenticeship programs are intended to have 2 instructors. Club37 and Mayor Daley's NeighborSports League program budgets only allow for 1 instructor.
Where will my program take place?
There are 2 different program settings: campus-based and community-based. If you want After School Matters to find you space in one of its school, park, or library partners, you should apply for campus-based programming.
If you work in a Community-Based Organization, you can apply to run a program at your site.
What kind of equipment will the program have?
In all Apprenticeship Programs, After School Matters wants teens
to have the most professional experience possible, which necessitates
a certain amount of professional equipment. In your proposal, you should
indicate the equipment your program needs and regional teams will work
with you to reduce the budget if necessary.