After School Matters

Welcome Friends,

Two decades ago, After School Matters was born through the passion and commitment of Founder and Chair Maggie Daley, who recognized the need for transformative youth programming in Chicago to help teens embrace their talents and increase their confidence. Today, After School Matters is an organization, hailed nationally and internationally, for its development and delivery of high-quality out-of-school time programs in the arts, science, sports, technology and communications. We are grateful for Mrs. Daley’s forward thinking and passion — her vision and legacy will guide us as we plan and implement innovative ideas to guide us through the next 20 years.

When it comes to youth development programs, high school teens are often forgotten. Some believe that children must be engaged in programs at a younger age to have a lasting impact and that once teens enter high school, it is too late to make a difference.

After School Matters believes that it is never "too late". High school is the most important time for them to explore their skills and interests with the support and encouragement of other motivated teens and skilled adult mentors.

Every Chicago public high school student should have the opportunity to participate in out-of-school time programming and the positive impact it provides, including the development of critical career readiness skills they need to find their path to a meaningful life. Multiple independent studies and recent data have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters apprenticeship programs have fewer course failures, better attendance, higher high school graduation rates and increased college enrollment.  

Thank you for your support of After School Matters and the teens of Chicago. You have made it possible for us to provide high-quality, out-of-school time opportunities to more than 15,000 teens annually.

All gifts, of any size, are important; each one makes it possible for our teens to aspire to greatness, to become the men and women who will change the world.

As Mrs. Daley always said..."After School Matters...it really does!"

All our best,

Raymond Orozco
CEO, After School Matters