Eric “Roho” Garcia, an After School Matters instructor and well-known Chicago muralist, has been making his mark on the city and the lives of teens for more than a decade, inspiring the next generation of artists to tap into their creativity and find their voices.
ASM offers a diverse range of programs that cater to a variety of interests, from aviation to welding, from culinary arts to graphic design.
Chicago is home to some of the world’s finest musical talents. One such gem is Thaddeus Tukes, a renowned vibraphonist whose journey from an After School Matters teen to an influential figure in Chicago’s jazz scene is nothing short of inspiring.
Mike will truly be missed by so many, but his indelible mark on our city is a testament to his belief in Chicago’s youth.
Hundreds of After School Matters teens participated in a virtual Teen Table Talk and learned about the risks of having guns. Participants then developed content to address the issue of gun violence
After dedicating nearly three decades to inspiring future artists in Chicago, After School Matters’ Glass Mosaic and Mural programs instructor Mirtes Zwierzynski has retired.
This summer, thousands of Chicago teens spent their summer with After School Matters, participating in rewarding programs, learning new skills, earning a stipend, and meeting friends from all over the city.
Teens in our Emergency Medical Responders Training Program @ Gately Park are exploring potential careers in the medical field.
ASM teen, Jamari shares his experience finding connection, meaning, and direction in our programs.
After School Matters’ Advanced Painting teens had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner with NASCAR this past spring to create a 200-foot mural which was on public display at NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race.