After School Matters alum Oliver Hurtado Martinez discovered his passion for the culinary arts as a freshman in the cooking and baking program at the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center. Over four years, he developed his skills, built confidence, and found mentors who encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Today, Oliver is studying at Kendall College with aspirations of becoming a pastry chef.

He credits After School Matters with helping him discover what he truly loves to do, bake.

Daniel Kyri became involved in ASM acting programs in 2008, and has built a career in film and theatrical performance. Now a renowned actor on Chicago’s stages and on the hit NBC show “Chicago Fire,” Daniel says, “ASM changed my world” and helped expand his worldview and hope for the future at a young age.

Chicagoan Eve Ewing participated in ASM programs back when it was Gallery 37 and then returned as an ASM instructor, is now a nationally respected poet, author, and Chicago cultural organizer.

She’s the author of the books Electric Arches, Ghosts in the Schoolyard, 1919, and Maya and the Robot. She also writes comic books, including Ironheart and Black Panther.

Additionally, Eve is an associate professor in the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago, where she teaches courses on education and racial inequality and directs the Beyond Schools Lab.

Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas

From ASM teen to professional basketball player to Program Specialist, Ahman Fells’ journey is a powerful example of the lasting impact of After School Matters. As a participant in Sports 37, he built leadership, teamwork, and relationship-building skills that helped him earn a basketball scholarship to UIC and play professionally in Canada. Today, Ahman has come full circle, supporting the next generation of Chicago teens as an ASM Program Specialist. His advice to young people reflects the curiosity and determination that shaped his own path: “Never stop exploring, because you never know what might spark your passion.”

Shai Moore’s passion for STEM began in After School Matters robotics programs, where she participated from 2006 to 2010. Inspired by her hands-on experiences, Shai went on to study engineering in college and build a successful career with major food and toy companies. Today, she is pursuing a PhD focused on STEM education in informal learning environments. Reflecting on her journey, Shai shares, “My journey into STEM started with my ASM robotics programs in high school and led me to major in engineering in college.” Her story demonstrates how early exposure to STEM opportunities can spark lifelong passions and careers.