We are proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our After School Matters Class of 2025. These graduating teens represent the very best of Chicago—young people who have explored their passions, developed their talents, and grown into confident leaders through their time in our programs.
Thousands of graduates participated in our programs this school year. Whether they found their spark through painting, public speaking, coding, dance, culinary arts, or in one of our other areas, each senior has a unique story and an inspiring future ahead.
For many of our graduates, our programs have been more than just an after-school or summer opportunity—it’s been a community. It’s where they’ve made lifelong friendships, worked with mentors who believed in them, discovered their voices and purpose, and found a lifeline that provided them with a safe space outside school and home. It’s a place they could truly be themselves.
Many of this year’s seniors are headed to colleges and universities across the country, from Kendall College to Alabama State and beyond. Others are pursuing apprenticeships, launching creative careers, or stepping directly into the workforce equipped with hands-on experience and real-world skills. No matter the path, they’re prepared for what’s ahead. Here is what some of the seniors had to share about their ASM experiences:
“I lost all my social skills because of the pandemic, and my culinary program helped me come out of my shell and connect with new friends. I discovered my love for baking because of my program and my instructor Araceli,” shared Oliver M., Lutz Culinary program. “I will attend Kendall College in the fall to become a pastry chef.”
“My favorite part of participating in ASM was meeting new people and bonding with people I would have never met otherwise. It’s something that I was scared to try, but being around these people and talking to them reminds me of why it’s okay to try new things. That is something I will take with me no matter where I go,” shared Yumalahi, Gallery 37 intern. “After high school, I will attend Illinois State University. My major is currently undecided, but I am considering options involving medicine, art, education, and Emergency Medical Services.”
“Always be open to trying new things. ASM is a learning process and a place where you can experience new things and open new opportunities for yourself,” shared Briana M., BFF Chess Club. “I plan on going to college for music. I like to sing classical opera.”
“I loved my ASM program because it helped me meet new people and become more social. I enjoyed cooking with the produce we grew in our Design. Build. Eat. Grow program. When I started the program, I was quiet and to myself. After spending time with the same groups of people, I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts and opinions,” shared Miss Tamilyah L., Design. Build. Grow. Eat. program. “I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall and major in Architectural Design or Culinary Arts.”
“What I like about ASM is that it gave me an experience that I hadn’t had before, like using my hands to garden and learn about the environment,” shared Suhail A., Urban Growers Collective program. “I plan to go to college for manufacturing.”
“My favorite experience in ASM was the Advanced Video Production program over the summer. I got to expand my skills in filmmaking in a safe environment. I enjoyed the long summer days working with other teens with the same passion as me,” shared Maya M., Advanced Video Production. “After high school, I plan to study psychology and focus on media psychology.”
”One thing I loved about being in an ASM program is that I genuinely got to be around people with similar interests. My plan after high school is to take up a trade. I want to become an electrician,” shared Marcus W., DJ Fundamentals program.
“ASM was like a second home for me. I became very close with my friends in the program and my instructors, Mama Shakeena and Mama Ika. They helped me strengthen my skills as a dancer, shared Sheridan M., Les Enfants program. In the fall, I’ll be attending Alabama University on a full-ride scholarship, and I’ll be majoring in dance.”
To the Class of 2025: We are so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your energy, creativity, and passion with us. You’ve made a lasting impact on your peers, instructors, and communities. Keep dreaming big. And remember—you will always have a home here at After School Matters.
We can’t wait to see what you do next!