Join the After School Matters Community

TEENS: Apply Now for Spring 2012 Programs!

NOTE FOR ALL TEENS WHO PARTICIPATED IN FALL 2011 PROGRAMS: If you would like to continue in the same program this spring, you do not need to go through the application process. Instead, simply talk to your instructor about re-enrolling in your program for the spring. Fall participants who want to participate in a different After School Matters program this spring, as well as all teens who did not participate in a Fall 2011 program, will need to go through the application process.

Download online application instructions (pdf)

PLEASE NOTE: To participate in After School Matters programs, teens must be at least 14 years of age and currently enrolled in a Chicago Public Schools high school (*a limited number of opportunities are available to teens who attend Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment high schools and private schools).

Cook with local celebrity chefs! Dance at the Chicago Theater! Paint a mural on the side of a building! Create animation and design logos! Build robots for national competitions! Grow a community garden and sell your products at a farmer’s market! Develop your sports skills and mentor youth on your way to a potential job as a recreation leader or lifeguard!

TEENS…DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL WITH AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS!
 

SO MANY REASONS TO APPLY NOW!

Thousands of opportunities are available at no cost:

• Develop your skills in the arts, science, sports, technology or communications
• Learn job readiness skills to help prepare you for life after high school
• Work alongside and learn from professional instructors
• Make new friends in your community and throughout Chicago
• Work with professional instructors who are among the best in their fields, and
• Have fun!

In addition, After School Matters teens who attend regularly and complete a final project this spring will earn a $50-$150 Award for Program Completion at the end of the program.

‘WHERE?’ AND ‘WHEN?’

After School Matters programs are offered at high schools, parks, community organizations and Downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. Spring programs generally meet two-to-three times per week for three hours per day from the week of February 6 through the week of April 23.

GET STARTED!

For more detailed application instructions, download the guide above.

• Click here, and you will be taken to the online application system.
• Select the button for Spring 2012, start a new application and enter your information.
• Next, select After School Matters and search for the programs that interest you. You can apply to interview for up to three programs but can only participate in one program. Search for programs in or near your high school by clicking the “High School” box. Search for programs in or near your neighborhood using the "Zip Code" menu. You can also apply to audition or interview for advanced apprenticeship programs downtown at Gallery37 Center for the Arts, which can be found by typing “Downtown” into the Keyword field.
• You must complete the online application, and then interview or audition in order to be accepted into a program. Not all teens who apply will be interviewed or auditioned, and not all teens who interview or audition will be accepted. While both steps are required, they do not guarantee placement in a program. If you are selected to interview or audition for a program, the instructor will contact you.

Programs fill up quickly, so apply today!

Application Cycle
For Fall Programs—Apply in August-September
For Spring Programs—Apply in Novemberr-January
For Summer Programs—Apply in Early May