After School Matters
Empowers Chicago Teens

Apply to ASM Spring Preview Programs!

Programs run January 12 - February 5.

Each ASM program opportunity allows YOU to:

Learn new skills, techniques, and strategies

Work with talented community leaders and network

Earn money for your participation

Limited opportunities available.

Be part of positive change for Chicago, 
today and tomorrow.

In Progress: The New After School Matters at Orleans Teen Center

In Chicago’s Cabrini neighborhood, the new Teen Center will serve ~1,500 teens a year and is designed specifically for them to encourage exploration and discovery. 

We are eager to reach and surpass our campaign goal, increasing our Sustainability Fund.

Learn more and join us today!

News & Events

Blog Post

After School Matters Fall Session Wrap-Up: Teen Creativity on Full Display Across Chicago 

We wrapped up the Fall Session with a series of vibrant showcases across the city — a chance for teens to share what they learned,...

Upcoming Event

After School Matters Sneaker Ball

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24, 2026 
1065 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL
It's our 35th Anniversary! Help us break in our newest Teen Center at this year’s annual Sneaker Ball Fundraiser. Hosted at After School Matters at Orleans, this immersive event features teen talent, exciting raffle prizes, cocktails,

After School Matters in 2024:

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Our Mission

After School Matters provides out-of-school opportunities for teens across Chicago to connect, create, and thrive.

After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that supports up to 19,000 teens across Chicago each year with paid opportunities to develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond. Our programs introduce young people to new ideas, places, and people and encourage them to explore their interests as they learn about who they are and who they want to become.

"Having a place like this makes you feel like you’re part of a community. My program is so fun and informative.”

ASM’s 2025 Summer Programs

Support Us

Join our community of supporters and directly impact the lives of Chicago teens.

Our Programs

Empowering Chicago teens to shape their future.

Arts

Performing, visual, and culinary arts

Communication & Leadership

Business, journalism, marketing and media

Sports

Sports instruction, stadium management, health and wellness

STEM

Applied and natural science, audio/visual, industrial and information technology

Shop unique and creative items made by Chicago teens in After School Matters programs.

Our Alumni

Stay connected with us, share your story, and access resources and opportunities through the After School Matters Alumni Network!

“After School Matters gives teens a reason to be excited and want to learn more. I love ASM and all the programs I have been in, they have truly changed me as a person and have helped open up so many doors for me to continue in my career and my college studies.”

Janessa Tyler, ASM Alum
 

Give us a follow @afterschoolmatters to stay up-to-date on all things After School Matters. You might even see yourself or your program featured!