This summer marks After School Matters 20th Anniversary. As we reflect on our two-decade history and the positive impact After School Matters has made in shaping meaningful lives for Chicago teens, beautifying our City and enriching our neighborhoods, I am overwhelmed by the amazing milestones our organization has reached and the many young people we have touched.

When we began as the gallery37 summer arts program in 1991 under large white tents on an empty lot in downtown Chicago, 260 teens spent the summer exploring their creative abilities and learning from professional artists. Since then, After School Matters has experienced tremendous growth and has become a nationally-recognized model, offering opportunities in the arts, science, technology, sports, and communications during the 2010-2011 program year.

Our 20th Anniversary celebration begins with a public kick-off event on Wednesday, June 29 on Daley Plaza (located on Washington Street between Clark and Dearborn Streets). The lunchtime festivities will include a short speaking program and vibrant performances by our talented teens.  We invite our supporters, partners, instructors, alumni, parents and teens to join us for this remarkable milestone!

We are all stakeholders in the future of Chicago teenagers. As we reflect on our successes over the past 20 years, one truth remains consistent—After School Matters…it always will! We look forward to the future as we continue our work to maximize out-of-school time opportunities for Chicago’s teenagers.

Cordially,

Maggie Daley
Chair, After School Matters

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