After School Matters offers programs in the following content areas:
Click here
to browse current program offerings by content area or location.
gallery37
Programs provide teens with creative opportunities that encompass visual, media, culinary and
performing arts. Teens work with professional artists to develop advanced skills in a variety of
artistic disciplines, such as theater, sculpting, painting, textile design, vocal performance and dance.
science37
Programs connect teens directly with opportunities in the Chicago's growing science and
biotechnology sectors. Teens participate in hands-on life science labs, learning about the
development of pharmaceutical drugs and other scientific methodologies. They also may participate
in programs that include horticulture, environmental stewardship and biofuel development.
sports37
Programs encourage a healthy living approach and introduce teens to career opportunities in the
fields of sports, health and fitness. Equipped with these skills, teens coach and officiate games and
other physical activities for elementary school-aged children from neighboring schools and parks. Some
teens from our sports37 programs become eligible for paid employment with Chicago Park District summer
day camps, serving as lifeguards and recreation leaders.
tech37
Programs work with industry-standard hardware and software to develop real-world products. Teens build
their resume credentials with experiences such as creating Web sites, producing videos and television
shows, manipulating digital photography, and programming and rebuilding computers.
words37
Programs give teens an opportunity for self-expression while enhancing their literary, journalistic,
community and social development skills. Teens in these programs add to their portfolios by creating
final products such as newspapers, magazines, photojournalism exhibits, documentary videos, community
maps and recordings of their work.