After School Matters® Offering Remote Program Opportunities to more than 8,000 Chicago Teens this Spring

January 29, 2021

Media Contact: Mallory Zapata, Communications Manager | mzapata@afterschoolmatters.org

More than 400 remote programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM available to teens across Chicago

CHICAGO—Applications are now open for the more than 400 remote programs happening this spring through After School Matters®.  Safe, equitable, and innovative remote learning opportunities are available for approximately 8,000 Chicago high school teens this spring. Students can apply now to programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM that begin the week of March 8 by visiting afterschoolmatters.org. All remote spring programs are paid apprenticeships and internships. Teens will earn a stipend between $90 and $250 depending on the length and level of expertise required for the program.

“After School Matters will continue to offer Chicago teens our remote programs for the upcoming spring session, which provide safe, equitable, and supportive virtual learning and engagement outlets during this ongoing pandemic,” said After School Matters Chief Programs Officer Melissa Mister. “After successful summer and fall program sessions with more than 90 percent attendance rates, we’ve seen the benefit that our teens are experiencing from quality remote programming. A recent teen survey found more than 76 percent of teens said their program made them more hopeful about their future, and 72 percent said their program helped them safely cope with their emotions through the current crisis. Our remote programs give teens a sense of normalcy and something to look forward to in these difficult and uncertain times.”

Remote programs offered this spring provide teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter skills, while developing critical thinking proficiencies in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness, and more. Remote programs offer a combination of one-on-one time with instructors, group collaboration, as well as individual work time to achieve various projects. Teens who need access to technology will be able to acquire devices through After School Matters.

After-school programs have been a crucial part of the COVID-19 response, adapting services to meet youth and community needs, offering social-emotional supports, and filling the education gap through virtual programming. Multiple independent studies have confirmed teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved school-day attendance, and higher graduation rates than their peers.

After School Matters remains committed to supporting Chicago teens by continuing our essential programs, providing participation stipends, along with added services, now in new and different ways.

A few of the exciting remote programs offered this spring include:

Advanced Culinary Arts

Teens learn new culinary skills and perfect their basic techniques. They receive training necessary to obtain jobs in the culinary hospitality industry or simply to prepare healthy and sustainable meals for themselves and their families. Teens also learn the arts and techniques of cake decorating, table setting, and catering for large groups. Each teen will receive a supply kit with ingredients to make delicious meals for their families throughout the spring.

 

Art & Impact

This program uses teen-created artwork and experiences to catalyze and deepen neighborhood relationships. Through a series of projects, teens practice drawing, painting, and mixed media skills. For inspiration, students get to collaborate remotely with Chicago artist studios and gallery exhibits. In addition to creating community, teens gain hands-on experience facing an entrenched problem within a community and learn firsthand that change is possible. In a respectful and nurturing environment, they put their research and new skills to work to develop creative strategies to face challenges.

 

Astronomy & Space

In this program teens learn about urban astronomy and celestial bodies by viewing and discussing space-themed films, conducting physics experiments, studying NASA and manned space travel/rocketry, as they learn about careers in the astronomy and space field. By the end of the session, teens will be prepared to present and display newly gained astronomical knowledge for their friends and their family.

 

Crossover

In this program, teens build ball-handling skills, teamwork, and work experience while preparing to cross over from high school to success. CROSSOVER teens become master players, regulation experts, trainers, and recreation professionals.

 

Peacemakers

Teens work with their peers to stop the violence and make a positive contribution to their community. Peacemakers learn about the peace building process, reflect on their communities, recognize their roles as peacemakers, and design a project to spread the message of peace. Young people in this program gain an understanding of the peace-making process and youth empowerment.

  

Teens can search and apply for spring 2021 remote programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago high school students who are at least 14 years old (16 years old 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, after-school and summer opportunities to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Since 1991, After School Matters has offered more than 350,000 opportunities to teens, helping them gain valuable knowledge and skills which have helped them discover their passion in life. Programs are currently taking place remotely, though typically take place at locations throughout the city including Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations, community organizations, downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, in Belmont Cragin at our Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters and at our new After School Matters at Gately Park space. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

 

 

 

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