Over CPS’s spring break, 30 Chicago teens from After School Matters first-ever Advocacy in Action program stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Illinois government—spending a powerful day at the State Capitol in Springfield.
From the moment they arrived, teens were immersed in the real-world workings of state government. They met face-to-face with 12 elected officials, including Senate President Don Harmon, Senator Graciela Guzmán, Representative La Shawn Ford, Representative Will Guzzardi, and Representative Eva-Dina Delgado. They also connected with leaders like Representative Aaron Ortiz, Representative Kelly Cassidy, Senator Lakesia Collins, Senator Karina Villa, Representative Lisa Davis, Representative Michael Crawford, and Senator Emil Jones—engaging in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to them – including education, youth mental health, public safety, the environment, housing and gentrification, and more.
“Normally, we’re taught that young people don’t have a say or that what we think doesn’t matter, but this program showed us that we do have a voice and allowed us to get our foot in the door and meet the people making the decisions,” shared teen Annika S.
Throughout the day, teens didn’t just observe—they participated. They toured the Illinois State Capitol and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, sat in on a Senate session from the gallery, and listened in on a committee hearing focused on child welfare. In a standout moment, the group was formally recognized during the Senate session by Senator Guzmán and invited onto the Senate floor—an unforgettable, firsthand look at the legislative process in action.
In addition to visiting Springfield during their week-long Spring Break program, teens were learning about the government process and how to use their voice to speak on issues that are important to them. Teens confidently shared their perspectives on critical issues impacting them in conversations with elected officials, community leaders, and each other.
This experience is a reflection of what After School Matters has been doing for 35 years—creating opportunities for Chicago teens to explore their interests, build real-world skills, and discover their power as leaders. Through programs like Advocacy in Action, teens strengthen their public speaking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while learning how to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Most importantly, they leave knowing their voices matter.
👉 Hear directly from our teens about their experience in Springfield and what advocacy means to them: