We are proud to share that all 18 of our Lutz Scholars have completed — or are on track to complete — their college journeys. Congratulations to the final scholars crossing this incredible milestone!
The Lutz Scholars program (2020–2025) supported a select group of After School Matters alumni as they navigated college life, thanks to the Michael and Karyn Lutz Family Foundation. Scholars explored college pathways, secured financial aid, accessed internships, and learned how to take full advantage of on-campus resources. Each participant also received persistence funding to help cover tuition and other education-related expenses.
Beyond financial support, scholars participated in bi-monthly check-ins with ASM staff, receiving personalized mentorship that strengthened essential skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving — tools that will serve them long after graduation.
Many of the Lutz Scholars are first-generation college students, making their accomplishments even more meaningful. They pursued a wide range of majors — from Music Production to Computer Science and Electrical Engineering — at institutions including Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia College Chicago, Northeastern University in Boston, and more.
Celebrating Our 2025/2026 Graduates
- Laila B. recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Animation with a concentration in Traditional Animation.
- Amber C. graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business at Columbia College Chicago.
- Joshua D. recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance.
- Harmonie G. graduated from Washington University in St Louis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction
- Wendy Q. graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
- Janessa T. recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography with a concentration in Fashion Photography and a minor in Entrepreneurship.
- Briseyda F. graduated from North Park University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
- Gabriel E. is pursuing a degree in Traditional Animation with a concentration in hand-drawn Animation at Columbia College Chicago and expects to graduate this spring.
- Vanessa O. is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Animation at Columbia College Chicago and expects to graduate this spring after obtaining her Associate’s Degree in Digital Multimedia Design at City Colleges of Chicago.
We can’t wait to see what’s next for these incredible alumni.
Because of champions like Karyn Lutz and the Lutz Family over the past 35 years, ASM continues to empower teens to pursue their goals, build brighter futures, and transform what’s possible for themselves and their communities.
