See below for some Frequently Asked Questions related to After School Matters. Don’t see your question below? Use the box at the left to contact us, email [email protected] or call 312-742-4182 for more information.
Will I receive a receipt for my tax records?
Yes, After School Matters will send you a receipt for your tax records approximately two weeks after the date of the event. If you make your payment online, you will receive a receipt to show that your payment has been processed, but you will also receive an official tax acknowledgement after the event.
Can I make a donation to the annual Gala?
Yes, gifts of all size provide teens with opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond.
We invite you to find a way that you can help make a difference in the lives of Chicago’s teens. To give electronically, click here (and scroll down to “I am unable to attend but wish to make a contribution”) or contact us via phone at (312) 768-5198.
How do I make sure that all teen information is submitted correctly, and they’re eligible for their stipend check?
To ensure stipend eligibility please do the following:
I’m having trouble verifying the accuracy of a teen’s documents. What do I do?
If After School Matters cannot verify a teen’s social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and name with the IRS you may need to obtain a copy of his/her social security card or ITIN documentation.
If you are having trouble verifying a teen’s address: Don’t use Google maps! Instead go here. (Usps.com -> Quick Tools -> Look up a ZIP Code)
What if I receive a check that was cut for a dropped teen?
Please immediately notify After School Matters to facilitate return of the check.
What if a teen check is lost, stolen, or never received?
If a teen check is lost, stolen, or never received, you must contact After School Matters at the Stipend Hotline at 312-768-5199 and either you or the teen (depending on who was in possession of the check when it went missing) must complete the Lost/Stolen Check Form provided on Cityspan.
How do I request a change to the Designated Check Delivery location?
To request a change in your designated check delivery location email [email protected] two weeks prior to the check date.
What if my site needs to cancel or reschedule a program day?
A program day cannot be cancelled (for any reason) without the prior approval of the Program Specialist.
What do I do if a teen does not show up to program and they didn’t notify me in advance?
If a teen does not show up to a program without calling first, the Instructor or Liaison must call the parent or guardian to confirm knowledge of the absence.
Can a teen leave early if they finish their work?
Teens may not leave early on any program date without written approval of the Program Specialist
As a Liaison, what are my attendance responsibilities?
Unless another arrangement is agreed upon with your instructor(s), the Liaison’s responsibility is to collect signed attendance sheets from the Instructor(s) each week, confirm the accuracy of these sheets, enter accurate attendance information into Cityspan, and store physical attendance sheets for end-of-year pickup.
How late after program starts can new teens be hired?
New participants can be hired after the first day of program, but no later than two weeks after programs start.
What if enrolled teens don’t show up once the program starts?
If there are teens who do not show up to the program once it has begun, these teens can be replaced with new participants. After School Matters strongly recommends establishing a waitlist of 5-10 eligible teens to ensure that you meet the 80% weekly attendance requirement.
When should I drop a teen?
If a teen stops attending the program, you should drop the teen from the program in Cityspan. See the Overview and Policy Manual (in the Documents section on Cityspan) for acceptable justifications for dropping a teen.
As a Liaison, what are my recruitment responsibilities?
As a Liaison, it is your responsibility to assist the Instructor in gaining access to teens for recruitment activities (e.g. facilitating access for lunch time outreach; distributing in-school posters, intercom announcements; etc.
How many teens should I enroll in my program?
All programs must meet the minimum required number of participants before a program can start- the minimum enrollment rate for any program is 80% of the target enrollment number (24 teens for a program with a target of 30, or 12 teens for a target of 15). However, to ensure maximum enrollment, all programs are encouraged to over enroll by 5% (A program of 30 would enroll 32; a program of 15 would enroll 16).
Do all program participants receive a stipend?
All teens that meet the stipend eligibility requirements will receive a stipend.
How do I make sure that all teen information is submitted correctly, and they’re eligible for their stipend check?
To ensure stipend eligibility please do the following:
I’m having trouble verifying the accuracy of a teen’s documents. What do I do?
If After School Matters cannot verify a teen’s social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and name with the IRS you may need to obtain a copy of his/her social security card or ITIN documentation.
If you are having trouble verifying a teen’s address: Don’t use Google maps! Instead go here. (Usps.com -> Quick Tools -> Look up a ZIP Code)
What if I receive a check that was cut for a dropped teen?
Please immediately notify After School Matters to facilitate return of the check.
How do I request a change to the Designated Check Delivery location?
To request a change in your designated check delivery location email [email protected] two weeks prior to the check date.
What if my site needs to cancel or reschedule a program day?
A program day cannot be cancelled (for any reason) without the prior approval of the Program Specialist.
What do I do if a teen does not show up to program and they didn’t notify me in advance?
If a teen does not show up to a program without calling first, the Instructor or Liaison must call the parent or guardian to confirm knowledge of the absence.
How late after program starts can new teens be hired?
New participants can be hired after the first day of program, but no later than two weeks after programs start.
What if enrolled teens don’t show up once the program starts?
If there are teens who do not show up to the program once it has begun, these teens can be replaced with new participants. After School Matters strongly recommends establishing a waitlist of 5-10 eligible teens to ensure that you meet the 80% weekly attendance requirement.
When should I drop a teen?
If a teen stops attending the program, you should drop the teen from the program in Cityspan. See the Overview and Policy Manual (in the Documents section on Cityspan) for acceptable justifications for dropping a teen.
How many teens should I enroll in my program?
All programs must meet the minimum required number of participants before a program can start- the minimum enrollment rate for any program is 80% of the target enrollment number (24 teens for a program with a target of 30, or 12 teens for a target of 15). However, to ensure maximum enrollment, all programs are encouraged to over enroll by 5% (A program of 30 would enroll 32; a program of 15 would enroll 16).
Are there any requirements or reporting measures that must be met during the program?
There are various compliance requirements that must be met during the duration of your program. These include entering attendance into Cityspan, retaining all receipts for purchases made for After School Matters programming, and completing end-of-program reports and surveys of various sorts. More information on these will be provided.
How do I know if I am accepted?
You will be notified through an email from our contracting department in the event that you are selected to become a program provider with After School Matters.
What if I have already held a program with After School Matters in the past?
You will need to complete a Renewal. Please note that if you are offering a new program or changing your program (different than the previous program you held with us), then you will need to fill out a Request for Proposal (RFP). In addition, if you change your contractual identity, you are required to do an RFP.
As a community organization, what do I need to become a program provider with After School Matters?
In order to be a program provider with After School Matters as a community based organization, you must complete a Request for Proposal (RFP). In addition, you will asked to comply with the following:
What do I need to participate in an After School Matters assitantship?
Teens interested in applying to assistantships must be at least 16 years old and are paid an hourly rate of $8.25/hour. These opportunities range from program assistance to school-wide support for programming to outreach and engagement activities.
What happens if I am accepted into an internship or assistantship?
The next step after being accepted as an intern or assistant is to turn in the internship/assistantship packet. This packet contains the I-9 form, W-4 forms and the Intern/Assistant Program Acknowledgement Consent and Release form, which you will need to complete if you are selected for an internship or assistantship program. Be sure to have your parent/legal guardian sign it as well. Please provide us with your Social Security card and your photo identification (school ID or state ID) in order to be eligible for a full stipend. 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 After School Matters programs! Please talk to your program instructor for more information.
How can I get a student reduced transit fare to get to my program?
If you have a CPS student reduced fare card and get the reduced fare during the school year:
Make sure you have your correct CPS ID# on file with After School Matters by the first week of programs. You will then continue to get the CPS student reduced fare throughout your Summer 2016 program session.
If you do NOT have a CPS student reduced fare card (and you are a CPS student):
1. You will need to contact your high school directly (the high school you will attend in the fall) about purchasing a CPS student reduced fare card. WE RECOMMEND YOU DO THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, as many high schools will not be able to provide these after the school year ends.
2. Once you have the card, you will need to make sure your CPS ID# is on file with After School Matters by the first week of programs. You will then get the CPS student reduced fare throughout your Summer 2016 program session.
If you do NOT have a CPS student reduced fare card (and you are NOT a CPS student):
You will need to contact your high school directly (the high school you will attend in the fall) about options to get reduced transit fares over the summer.
*PLEASE NOTE: While we are able to provide access to student reduced fares for teens who already have a student transit card, After School Matters does not have access to the cards themselves. We are also not able to provide access to student reduced fares for teens who attend non-CPS or charter schools. Graduated seniors are not eligible to receive the student reduced fare.
What do I need to participate in an After School Matters internship?
Teens interested in applying to internships may be required to have participated in at least three previous After School Matters programs. Teens must be at least 16 years old (some positions require the teen to be at least 18 years old) and are paid an hourly rate of $10.50/hour. These opportunities include museum docent, camp counselor, corporate administration intern and more.
Are After School Matters interns paid?
Yes, all After School Matters interns are paid hourly, on a bi-weekly basis.
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?
All teens that meet the stipend eligibility requirements will receive a stipend.
Does After School Matters offer internships?
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 on May 27. 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?
You may apply to up to 3 programs per program 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 many programs can I apply to each cycle?
You may apply to up to 3 programs per program cycle.
What information do I need to complete my application?
When completing your application, it is important for you to have a functioning email address, etc.
How do I search for programs I may be interested in?
To search for programs, click here.
How does the Award for Program Completion affect my taxes? Do I have to file a tax return?
By January, if you had received more than one Award for Program Completion through After School Matters programs totalling more than $600 during the previous year, you will receive a tax form 1099. The purpose of the form 1099 is to tell you the total amount of money that you received from After School Matters during the previous year. If you were a pre-apprentice, apprentice or advanced apprentice, no taxes were withheld from your Awards and the total of all of your checks/deposits is reported on a 1099 form.
If you were an intern at any time during the previous year, you were considered an After School Matters employee and will receive a tax form W-2. The purpose of the form W-2 is to tell you the total amount of wages After School Matters paid to you and the taxes withheld from you during the previous year. The amounts withheld from your wages were based on the form W-4 that you completed at the beginning of your internship.
The information on the form 1099 and W-2is also reported to the IRS.
After School Matters cannot offer tax advice, so we cannot tell you whether you have to file a tax return. Please contact your tax advisor or visit www.irs.gov. You may also call City Services at 311 for free tax information.
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 if I have a medical or family emergency that keeps me from attending my program?
Notify your instructor and liaison immediately. You should provide accurate documentation to avoid getting dropped from the program.
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.
66 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 742-4182