Building Chicago’s future requires an impactful commitment to teens today.
After School Matters invests in teens to foster the next generation of creative, fierce, and passionate Chicago residents and leaders.
Join us as we complete this investment!
The New After School Matters Orleans Teen Center
Teens today face unprecedented challenges: community violence, increased mental health challenges, and youth joblessness.
In Chicago’s Cabrini neighborhood, After School Matters is building a legacy of hope in a community with a rich and complicated history. The new ASM Orleans Teen Center is a testament to our unwavering dedication to Chicago teens—and our city’s future.
With nearly 35 years of serving Chicago teens, we know teens thrive in spaces tailored specifically with them in mind. Safe and productive spaces for teens are crucial investments.
We Know Teen-centric Spaces Work
Chicago teens deserve program spaces designed specifically for them to encourage exploration and discovery.
This new space will serve ~1,500 Chicago teens each year and features:
- 36,000 square feet of reclaimed space in the Cabrini neighborhood
- Black box theater, gym, skilled trades lab, culinary kitchen, wellness room, and more
- Flexible studios for arts, STEM, communications & leadership, and sports programs
- Collaborative spaces
- Top-of-the-line equipment and supplies
- Close to high schools, parks, libraries, affordable housing, and CTA
ASM Orleans Teen Center and the Sustainability Fund
The Sustainability Fund
We are eager to reach and surpass our campaign goal and look to you for continued support through our Sustainability Fund. Given the fiscal and economic challenges of the moment, as well as federal policy changes affecting our teens and families, ASM is facing uncertain times.
The Sustainability Fund will ensure ASM programming and operations for the future. To maintain our current level of programming with ~26,000 opportunities annually, we intend to progress the Sustainability Fund to ensure ASM’s legacy and empower the next generation to learn, grow, and thrive.
Click to enlarge and explore the rendering photos below of the new space.
Get Involved
Dedicated teen spaces make an impact. Be part of positive change for Chicago, today and tomorrow.
Interested in learning more or scheduling a tour?
Ready to join us and invest in the new ASM Teen Center?
New Building Progress Updates
Mayor Johnson and community leaders join After School Matters for a groundbreaking celebration of the new teen center in October 2024.
After School Matters CEO Mary Ellen Caron shares plans for the ASM Orleans Teen Center at the groundbreaking celebration.
Construction began in January 2025, led by local architecture firm Eckenhoff Saunders and MBE-Certified General Contractor UJAMAA Construction.
May 2025, full demolition complete, underground plumbing installed, excavation at elevator shaft complete, roof demolition and temporary roof installed, mechanical and electrical in progress.
July 2025, wall framing and drywall complete, elevator shaft complete and elevator installation in progress, new roof installed, HVAC systems and mechanical overhead equipment installed.
November 2025, State and City leaders joined After School Matters to celebrate the grand opening of the new After School Matters Orleans Teen Center in the Cabrini community!
The Teen Center is shaped by teen voice and choice—spaces where young people have a say in their design and purpose, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.
In the News
Stay Connected With Us…
After School Matters is committed to providing flexible, state-of-the-art facilities that provide teens with world-class opportunities that help them become part of a community and find their place in the world.
Thank you for supporting our work.
Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
Learn more about giving opportunities.
$5M+
State of Illinois
$500k+
Anonymous (2)
Magellan Corporation
Chicago Bulls Charities
Richard H. Driehaus
Mesirow Financial Administrative Corporation
Related Midwest
BMO
Hearst Foundations
Malkin Block Family
Carole and Mark Streicher
Troutman Pepper Locke
Wintrust
$50k+
Terry Diamond
The Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative
Estate of Donna and Terry King
Clare Muñana
Haviland and Ayal Sharvit
The Welch Family
$25k+
Natalie and Jeffrey Brown
Mark and Danisha Hall
Bob and Roberta Lee
Pratima N. Shah Family Foundation
Up to $25k
Susan Sher and Neil Cohen
Jim and Melissa Donath
Brendan and Emily DuBois
Walt Eckenhoff
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Amy Eshleman
Ciara J. Evans
The Finkel Family
Wes and Huda Kahn
Ken and Grace Kuhrt
Ben Lumpkin
Jordan and Bakari Matthews
Melinda Metzger
The Siracusa Family
Souleles Family Charitable Fund
Elzie Higginbottom, East Lake Management & Development Corp