For 35 years, After School Matters has supported hundreds of thousands of Chicago teens by providing paid after-school and summer programs where young people can explore their interests, build real-world skills, and imagine what’s possible for their futures.
For some teens, that journey doesn’t end when their program does — it comes full circle. In this alumni Q&A spotlight, we’re highlighting Ahman Fells, an ASM alum who returned as a Program Specialist, now helping the next generation of teens learn, grow, and thrive.
1. Introduce yourself + your story
Hey, hey — what’s the word? Ahman Fells here, checking in from the South Side of Chicago, born and raised.
Growing up, I always felt called to help others — not just financially, but through service, support, and simply lending a hand however I could. I also fell in love with sports and drawing, and both passions shaped my journey.
I even won a Gold Key Excellence Award at the All-City Art Exhibition for a sketch I completed back in 8th grade!
I attended Simeon Career Academy — home of Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker — where I played two seasons of varsity basketball and helped win two state championships. After graduating, I earned a certification in Architecture and Architectural Drafting.
Later, I attended the University of Illinois-Chicago, playing basketball on scholarship while earning my BA in Psychology and Criminal Law & Justice (major switch, I know!).
After college, I was drafted into the National Basketball League of Canada, playing two seasons with the St. John Millrats (now the Riptide). Living in another country was bittersweet — exciting, but also lonely and homesick at times.
I retired early and leaned fully into my calling of service. I became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and have since helped develop elementary and high school programs. I returned to ASM as a Program Specialist to support programs, instructors, and teens, ensuring the next generation has high-quality, life-changing programs like the ones I did in ASM. I’ve also expanded my artistic passion by pursuing graphic design and developing my creative skills.
2. What’s your role at ASM today?
I’m a Program Specialist for the South/Southwest Branch, and I’m proud to give back to the programs that gave so much to me. I support dozens of South Side programs by making sure instructors have the tools and resources they need to deliver high-quality experiences for our teens. I also work closely with young people to ensure they feel heard, supported, and met where they are.
3. What ASM program did you participate in as a teen and what’s one moment that stayed with you?
I participated in Sports 37 @ West Chatham with my brother and cousins, and we had a great time playing basketball, meeting friends, and building skills like leadership and collaboration that I would use throughout my life.
Where do I start? A quality program gives you meaningful experiences every day, but what really stuck with me was the relationship-building.
I connected with teens I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with during the regular school day, and that really expanded my social life. It honestly made my overall high school experience so much better.
4. How did ASM shape your confidence or goals?
Being in Sports 37, there were a few things I could always expect:
One: Competition. Any game with me and my friends gets intense. But healthy competition pushes you to give your all — whether it’s in work, family, or personal goals.
Two: Relationship-building. We learned new skills daily, practiced conflict resolution, and supported one another more than I expected. It helped me become more social and open, because you never know who shares your mindset or interests.
Three: Incentives. Who doesn’t like money? The stipend taught me how to stay committed and that my time and energy meant something. My program taught me patience, punctuality, communication, and what it takes to have a real job.
5. What inspired you to return to ASM as staff?
Before becoming a Program Specialist, I was an ASM instructor from Fall 2018 to Fall 2019, teaching Sports and Recreational Leadership at Ada Park.
There was a real sense of service and camaraderie within the agency, and I knew I wanted to grow here. I became especially curious about the Program Specialist role and how it directly impacts teens.
I also wanted to support instructors in creating lesson plans that are relatable, relevant, and meaningful.
6. How does being an alum help you connect with teens?
Relevancy and relatability are everything.
When content feels real and situations feel familiar, teens are more likely to stay engaged. I try to use what worked for me as an instructor and continue adapting new approaches that help both teens and instructors succeed.
7. A moment that reminded you why this work matters
Sports and Recreational Leadership @ Taylor Park is in a tough neighborhood, and the community is underserved when it comes to teen activities and safety.
There were a few teens who really needed support — safe travel, staying out of trouble, learning how to navigate challenges. That’s where ASM steps in: offering a safe space to grow, while also providing stipends that help with real needs like Ventra, clothing, and daily expenses. I saw firsthand how much these teens needed this program and how it transformed their lives for the better.
8. Why has ASM been impactful for 35 years?
Adaptability.
The way teens learn and connect is always changing, and ASM has continued to evolve with the times to meet teens where they are. That ability to grow and adjust is what makes ASM so impactful.
9. Advice for current ASM teens
Never stop exploring, because you never know what might spark your passion.
As teens, we try to act too cool like nothing excites us, so we hesitate to try new things. Sometimes we follow friends into programs — and that’s not bad — but the goal is to find what truly interests you.
Do more. Research. Stay curious. It’s your life — build it in a way that feels right for you.
– Ahman Fells
Stories like this reflect what ASM has been building for 35 years — a community where teens are supported, inspired, and empowered long after their programs end. From participant to professional, this full-circle journey shows how investing in teens today helps shape the leaders, mentors, and changemakers of tomorrow.
As we celebrate 35 years of impact, we’re proud to uplift the alumni who continue to carry ASM forward — and the thousands of teens who are just beginning their own journeys.
If you’re an ASM alum, we would love to hear your story! Fill out this form so we can spotlight you during our 35th anniversary!