Peacemaker teens work together to stop the violence and make a positive contribution to their communities. Teens in the program learn about the peace-building process, reflect on their communities, recognize their roles as peacemakers, and design a project to spread the message of peace. The projects end with an opportunity for teens to showcase their accomplishments along with youth from around the city of Chicago. Teens will gain an understanding of the peace-making process and youth empowerment. Through this program, teens will build skills in civic engagement, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community.

“This program created a lot of opportunities, not just for the summer, but for the future. And as far as promoting peace, it registers in your mind and when you find yourself in those situations you know what to do. I feel like that’s a great thing and more people should experience it.” —Jevan, Englewood

Peacemakers @ Julian High School | Summer 2019

“I wanted to be a Peacemaker so I can have somewhere safe to go while still having the opportunity to have fun with my peers.” — Adorea

After School Matters is partnering with the Chicago Police Department on several initiatives that place police officers in programs as instructors. The police officers work with their teens to build trust, understanding, and stronger relationships between the Chicago Police Department and local neighborhoods.

After School Matters offers hundreds of programs in the arts that range from dance, painting, spoken word, vocal performance and so much more.

“I love After School Matters. I love my program. And I love playing the bass drum. I’ve got the opportunity to perform at my school’s pep rallies and even Soldier Field. I have been in this program for just two years and it has been some of the greatest moments of my life.” —Danais, Grand Boulevard

Latin Dance performing at Millennium Park Chase Promenade | Summer 2019

After School Matters is building future activists, CEOs, writers, politicians and other leaders through our communications and leadership programs which instill the 21^st century skills our teens need to succeed in college and in their future careers.

“I am very happy that I got the chance to do this. The mock interviews were very helpful for me because it gave me more experience and made me more comfortable doing it in the future. The environment was also very welcoming and the hospitality was amazing.” —José, Chicago Lawn

After School Matters offers hundreds of programs in sports that range from mixed martial arts, soccer, sports management, refereeing, and so much more.

“Being in this program is helping me ‘Cross-Over’ into bigger things as I become an adult. I would be on the streets right now if it wasn’t for Coach John giving me this opportunity to attend Crossover. I’m blessed to have him as a coach. I look up to him.” —Terrione, Humboldt Park

After School Matters is developing future engineers, scientists, doctors, and more through our hundreds of STEM programs throughout the city. Check out how our teens are building a brighter future for Chicago this summer in their programs.

“My program has given me many eye-opening experiences. I have come in contact with many mentors who helped me get into my number one choice of school, MIT. Without After School Matters, I would not have made it this far.” —Faith, Rising Sophomore at MIT

Since 1991, After School Matters has provided more than 350,000 program opportunities for teens to find their passion in the arts, communications, leadership, sports, and STEM. We are proud that our alumni have gone on to become chefs, artists, activists, musicians, business owners, and other Chicago leaders that are building a brighter future for Chicago. Meet some of our alumni and check out all the great work they are doing.