How do I apply to School Year Programs?
You will need to apply for each ASM session: summer, fall, spring, and winter or spring break preview.
What if I don’t have a Social Security number or ITIN?
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still participate in some After School Matters programs! Please talk to your program instructor for more information.
Will I have to interview or audition?
Yes, however, programs with a high volume of applicants might not interview/audition all applicants.
Do all program participants receive a stipend?
What are the program eligibility requirements?
To participate in an After School Matters program, you must:
When will I be notified about my acceptance to a program?
Instructors will be communicating directly with teens as they finalize their program rosters throughout the Summer recruitment period – from now up until the first day of programs. ALL teens who apply to Summer programs will receive a status notification via email in late June. This email will let you know whether or not you have been placed in each program to which you applied. Teens who are not placed in programs at that point will be encouraged to apply for additional programs.
What happens if I’m put on a waitlist for a program?
If a program is in need of additional participants, they may pull teens from the waitlist. In this case, an instructor will reach out to a teen via email or phone to invite them to interview.
How many programs can I apply to each cycle?
What information do I need to complete my application?
When completing your application, it is important for you to have your CPS ID number ready (if applicable) and a functioning email address and/or phone number. A valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted but not required for your application.
How do I apply to an After School Matters program?
To apply for an After School Matters program, fill out our online application by clicking here.
Is there an application deadline?
No. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis.
How do I search for programs I may be interested in?
To search for programs, click here.
Can I participate in more than one program?
No, you may only participate in one program per program session. We do encourage you to participate in more programs in future sessions.
What is an ITIN and how can I get one?
An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who do not have a Social Security Number. To obtain an ITIN, you need to fill out IRS Form W-7 and attach a valid federal income tax return. These forms can be accessed online at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-3676. You also must provide forms that prove identity and foreign status to the IRS. The IRS Web site suggests that if you need assistance in obtaining this number, visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). The Chicago Center is located at 230 South Dearborn Street and is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Can I switch to another program and if so, when?
If you would like to switch programs, contact your school liaison or program staff. It is preferable that all program switches take place by the first week of a program.
Are there minimum grade requirements to participate in an After School Matters program?
Your school may have a specific grade participation policy. Please contact your school liaison to find out what the policies are.
I have family commitments and a job already. Can I still participate in After School Matters? What programs might work best for me?
Yes, as long as you meet the program attendance requirements.
What do I need to participate in an After School Matters internship?
Teens interested in applying to internships must be at least 16 years old and are paid an hourly rate of $15/hour. You will be asked to complete employment verification requirements after you have been placed in a program: i9, W4 forms.
What happens if I am accepted into an internship?
The next step after being accepted as an intern or assistant is to make an appointment to complete employment verification. This includes an I-9 form and W-4 forms. You will receive information about making an appointment in your program offer letter. Please provide make sure to bring the correct documents to your appointment. Click here for more information on the employment verification process.
If you do not have a Social Security number, please read the final question in this FAQ.
What if I don’t have a Social Security number or ITIN?
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still participate in some After School Matters programs! Please talk to your program instructor for more information.
What do I need to participate in an After School Matters internship?
Teens interested in applying to internships are required to be at least 16 years old, to interview for internship positions, and if hired to complete an I9 along with federal and state W4’s. As a teen intern, you will earn $15 an hour. Internships positions include camp counselors, corporate administration, retail and customer service, and more…
Are After School Matters interns paid?
Yes, at this time, all interns are paid $15 an hour.
Does After School Matters offer internships?
Yes. To find out more about our internships and advanced internships, please click here. To apply to an internship, click here.