Applications Now Open for Chicago High School Teens Seeking Opportunities with After School Matters®

May 3, 2019

13,000 program opportunities available to Chicago teens this summer

CHICAGO—After School Matters^® is now accepting teen applications for its summer 2019 program session, which will begin the week of June 24. More than 700 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM will be offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city. Programs will also continue to be offered downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and at The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. Teens can search and apply for summer programs online at afterschoolmatters.org. Application features include an interactive map to help teens search for programs and a full Spanish translation on a mobile-friendly platform.

After School Matters programs offer teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter specific skills, while also developing critical thinking skills in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness and more. Multiple independent studies and data have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved school-day attendance and higher high school graduation rates than their peers.

In total, approximately 13,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this summer through After School Matters. Participating teen apprentices will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $420 depending on the program level; interns can earn up to $10.50 per hour.

“After School Matters is providing approximately 13,000 teen opportunities in a single program session this summer,” said CEO Mary Ellen Caron. “While this is a huge accomplishment, we have to continue to grow our opportunities and resources so that every single Chicago teen has the opportunity to participate in one of our programs and find their passion in life.”

A few of the exciting programs offered throughout the city this summer include:

West African Drum and Dance – Music

Location: Lindblom Academy/Englewood

Teens learn traditional drumming techniques as well as the cultural context and significance of this music. Teens will engage in the creative process, as well as what a professional artist must go through to produce their own work, network, and earn a living. Emphasis is given to working as part of a group and planning the final performance.

Can I Kick it? Soccer – Sports Instruction

Location: Chicago Academy High School/Near North Side

Teens will develop fundamental soccer skills and practice drills before learning advanced soccer techniques. Teens will learn to facilitate successful workshops for elementary aged youth.

Astronomy – Natural Science

Location: Gallery 37/Downtown

Teens will learn to navigate the skies and identify celestial bodies. They will spend their summer using telescopes, electronic star charts and other scientific instruments. Teens will be ready to assist in public observation sessions and guide others in their exploration of the sky.

Yoga – Fitness

Location: Gallery 37/Downtown

The Yoga program guides teens through the steps for beginner yoga poses and meditation, with an emphasis on concentrated deep breathing. This program provides a foundational understanding of a career as a Yoga instructor by including regular assignments and instruction in creating routines that balance the postures. Teens learn how to calm the mind and release stress.

Future Barbers – Arts

Location: Parkway Gardens Christian Church/ Woodlawn

Future Barbers works to expose teens to the fundamentals of the art of barbering. Through workshops, field trips and hands on experiences with barber equipment, teens will learn the history and culture of barbering, hygienic and safe practices, how to use tools and equipment, basic cutting techniques and professional conduct in a barbershop.

Audio Journalism – Audio/Video Technology

Location: Lutz Family Center/Belmont Cragin

Teens in this program teens will explore the impact of societal issues and create an audio project. They will conduct interviews, edit sound and design a blog/podcast to document their project throughout the process.

Martial Arts and Fitness – Health and Wellness

Location: Chicago Mixed Martial Arts/Near North Side

In this program teens gain an introduction to the arts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other Martial Arts in a fun and safe environment. Each lesson incorporates valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and excellence.

Drive Our Future – STEM

Location: Simeon Academy/Chatham

Teens in this program are introduced to basic auto body repair skills. Safety rules are taught, explained, and emphasized throughout the class.

Teens can search and apply for Summer 2019 programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen high school students who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships). As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss their interests. Teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly.

For questions about programs and applications, call 312-742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org. Para mas información en Español llámenos al 312-846-7106 o mándenos un correo electrónico al espanol@afterschoolmatters.org.

For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

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About After School Matters

After School Matters provides Chicago high school teens with high quality, out-of-school time opportunities to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Since 1991, After School Matters has offered teens more than 350,000 opportunities in our hands-on, project-based after-school and summer programs in the arts, communications and leadership, STEM and sports. Programs take place at locations throughout the city including Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations, community-based organizations, The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood and Gallery 37 Center for the Arts downtown. www.afterschoolmatters.org.

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