This summer, talented teens from across Chicago have been dedicating their time and energy to After School Matters programs, transforming their time off during the warm months into an enriching and fun experience. Our young people are the next leaders of Chicago so their futures and voices matter.
Teens often get a bad reputation for being unruly and uncaring, but our teens demonstrate that there’s so much more to their story. Their dedication, curiosity, and kindness to one another are truly inspiring. Through ASM programs, they have showcased their diverse skills in painting, engineering, community service, and many other areas.
This summer, teens have been busy painting vibrant murals that add color and life to their neighborhoods. They’ve been diving into engineering projects, solving real-world problems with innovative solutions. These young people are not only focusing on their personal growth but also giving back to their communities by creating local events that support their neighborhoods, friends, and family.
But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear directly from the teens about what they’ve been learning about and working on this summer:
Advanced Visual Arts
“I love painting because it is calming and unlocks my creative side.” Samantha
“I’m exploring how to be more artistic, and creative. Also, I’m meeting new people and learning to work together as a team.” Laylen
ComEd Youth Ambassadors
“I’m making new friends in my program and participating in team-building activities. I’m also learning how to build a circuit board which I’ve never done before.” Sariah
Soccer at Solorio Academy High School
“I’m having fun playing soccer with my friends but I’m also learning how to collaborate, be a team player, and be a leader.” Solorio teen
Building Leather Sneakers
“I’m learning to create my own shoes out of leather. Working on designing shoes helps me explore career opportunities in fashion and express myself through creativity.” Lorenz
“This program gives me a safe space to be artistic and learn new skills I didn’t have before” Jessica
Welding at the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters
“I like working with my hands so this program is perfect for me. I’m learning how to weld and other skills I can use in my future job.” Welding teen
Latinos Juntos
“Dance has always been my passion. All the skills we learn in our program are super beneficial to me and I use them in the real world. The one that stands out to me the most is planning for success.” Marko
Peoples Gas at After School Matters at Gately Park
“I’m learning about natural gas and how it powers our homes and I’m also creating a light switch and an app to control when the lights are used to conserve energy.” Indigo
Increase the Peace Peacemakers
“We’re learning about issues facing our community and how to make a positive change. We’re creating a community event as our final showcase.” Juan
Stained Glass at Curie Metro High School
“In our program, we are building positivity, creativity, and imagination with our peers by making stained glass. Everyone is invited. It’s fun getting along with others.” Brian
These testimonials highlight the impact our programs have on Chicago’s youth. By providing a space for creativity, learning, and community engagement, we are helping to shape them to become the next generation of leaders. Our teens are proving that they are more than the stereotypes often associated with their age group.
Let’s continue to support and celebrate the efforts of our young people. Our investment today will lead to a brighter, more vibrant Chicago tomorrow.
