A New Home for Teen Creativity, Connection, and Growth
Last week we celebrated the exciting grand opening of the new After School Matters at Orleans Teen Center in Chicago’s Cabrini community with state and city leaders—a space designed to inspire, empower, and connect young people.
The state-of-the-art facility, designed by Eckenhoff Saunders and constructed by UJAMAA Construction, is the latest milestone in expanding our footprint of teen-centric spaces across Chicago. Joining the Michael and Karyn Lutz Family Center in Belmont Cragin, ASM at Gately Park on the South Side, and Gallery 37 in the Loop, we were thrilled to be supported by so many for this exciting addition!
The 36,000 square foot space features a black box theater, gymnasium (the first in any ASM building), commercial kitchen, art studios, STEM and skilled trades labs, an innovation lab, outdoor garden, and collaborative teen lounges. The building reflects ASM’s ongoing strategy to create spaces shaped by teen voice and choice, ensuring every young person feels safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive after school. This new space will serve ~1,500 Chicago teens each year.
A Celebration of Partnership and Possibility
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in the new gymnasium, included remarks from ASM CEO Mary Ellen Caron, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois State Senate President Don Harmon, Commissioner Ciere Boatright, Alderman Walter R. Burnett, Bank of America Chicago Market Executive June Cimino, Baldwin Richardson Foods Chief Customer and Community Impact Officer Cara Hughes, and others who have played key roles in making this milestone possible.
“After School Matters continues to show what it means to stand with our young people,” shared Mayor Brandon Johnson. “For decades, they’ve opened doors of opportunity for Chicago’s teens, helping them gain skills, earn income, and build confidence. This new Cabrini teen center is more than a building—it’s a promise to our youth that their city believes in them.”
Following the speaking program, guests explored the new center as teens from programs like Digital Visionaries and Musical Theater greeted visitors, sharing information about their programs and the spaces.
The opening marks another exciting addition to the revitalization of the Cabrini community, representing a lasting investment in youth and neighborhood growth—and in the future of Chicago itself.
Building Chicago’s Future, Together
The Orleans Teen Center is a true public-private partnership, developed in collaboration with the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and generous philanthropic partners supporting the Teens Building Chicago’s Future campaign. Key supporters include but aren’t limited to Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, Baldwin Richardson Foods Co., Bank of America, Crown Family Philanthropies, Magellan Corporation, Chicago Bulls Charities, Richard H. Driehaus, the Higginbottom Family, Mars Wrigley Foundation, Mesirow Financial Administrative Corporation, and Related Midwest. Visit our campaign website for a full list of our donors who helped make this teen center possible.
“This new teen center gives Chicago’s teens a space to dream, create, and build the skills that shape their future,” said Cara J. Hughes, Board Member of After School Matters and Chief Customer and Community Impact Officer at Baldwin Richardson Foods. “Through the Baldwin Richardson Foods Culinary and Innovation Hub, we’re opening doors to discovery, creativity, and careers that teens may have never imagined and transforming opportunity into impact.”
“As Chicago’s largest provider of out-of-school time programs for teens, After School Matters gives young people a safe, supportive space to explore their interests, build skills in the arts, leadership, sports, and STEM, and earn stipends that prepare them for their futures,” said Rita Cook, President of Bank of America Chicago. “Bank of America shares ASM’s commitment to investing in our youth through workforce and career initiatives, and we look forward to seeing the opportunities that will grow from the Orleans Teen Center.”
ASM Board Chair Mellody Hobson added, “We’re thrilled to expand our reach and create more opportunities for young people to discover what inspires them. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and the success of our campaign, we’re building spaces that empower Chicago teens to learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come.”
Continuing the Mission
The Teens Building Chicago’s Future campaign continues through the end of the year to raise additional support for the Orleans Teen Center and ASM’s Sustainability Fund, ensuring programming remains free and accessible to teens citywide.
Each year, ASM engages up to 19,000 Chicago teens in after-school and summer programs across the arts, communications, leadership, sports, and STEM—helping them gain skills, earn stipends, and find their voices. Programs take place at more than 300 sites citywide, including schools, Park District facilities, and community organizations.
“For nearly 35 years, After School Matters has provided safe, engaging spaces where teens can discover their potential and be themselves,” said Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters. “With the opening of the Orleans Teen Center, we’re deepening that commitment—bringing more opportunities, creativity, and connection to the heart of Chicago.”
👉 Learn more about the campaign and how you can support Chicago’s teens at afterschoolmatters.org/teens-building-chicagos-future
