The Winter 2018 and Spring 2019 program application is now OPEN. *Use the “Start a New SPRING appliation” button to apply to both Winter and Spring programs.
Are you on track to get paid? Read below to find out.
Teen Pay & Stipends Page — Are you on track to get paid this spring? Find out with our new Teen Pay and Stipends page. Access your personal page by logging into the After School Matters application using your Spring 2019 Application ID Number. Once logged in, you can navigate to the Teen Pay and Stipends Page (Step 7) to see if you are on track to be paid!
If you participated in a Summer 2018 program and signed a Program Acknowledgment, Consent, and Release (“PACR”) form at that time, you do not need to submit a new form.If this is your first time participating in an After School Matters program or you did not participate in programs during Summer 2018, you will need to submit a signed PACR form. Parents/Guardians must read and sign the PACR, even if their teen is 18 or older. (Please note that unaccompanied youth — youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian — who are 18 or older may sign the forms on their own behalf).
Application Features
You asked and we delivered. Our application is designed to make it easy for you to find the best program to help you find your future. Features include:
Interactive maps let you browse program options in your neighborhood, at your school and all across the city of Chicago.
Search function so you can search for programs based on location, content area and program name.
Icons help show a program’s content area, skill level and any additional requirements like a portfolio or audition.
Navigation bar to keep track of your progress and go back and forth between application steps.
Mobile-friendly so you can now apply on your smartphone.
WATCH our Application Tutorial video for a step-by-step guide to completing your After School Matters application.
Getting Started
Applications for the Spring 2019 program session are now OPEN.
Click ‘Start a new SPRING application.’ Find programs nearby using the ‘At my School,’ ‘At or Near my School’ or ‘Zip Code’ search filters. Find advanced apprenticeship programs downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts by selecting the ‘Downtown’ search filter.
You can apply to interview for up to three programs but can only participate in one.
Once you’ve submitted an application for the maximum amount of programs, you are unable to go back and change anything. Teens who are not yet enrolled in an After School Matters program are offered the choice of applying to one additional program a few weeks before programs start. Once teens are notified about this, you will be able to log back into the application.
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.
If you are selected to interview or audition for a program, the instructor will contact you.
PLEASE NOTE: Current Chicago public high school students who are Chicago residents, including rising freshmen and just-graduated seniors, are eligible. Some spots are available to non-CPS high school students.
When and Where?
The After School Matters teen application is entirely online!
Applications for our Spring 2018 program session are currently open.
After School Matters programs are offered at community organizations, parks, high schools and libraries throughout Chicago, as well as downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts (66 East Randolph).
Why should I apply?
Thousands of opportunities are available at no cost. In addition, After School Matters teens will be eligible to earn a monetary stipend for their participation in programs.
Develop your skills in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology.
Learn career readiness skills to help prepare you for life after high school.
Work with professional instructors who are among the best in their fields.
Make new friends in your community and throughout Chicago, and
Have fun!
When will I know?
Instructors will be communicating directly with teens as they finalize their program rosters throughout the recruitment period – from now up until the first day of programs. ALL teens who apply to our programs will receive a status notification via email. 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.
**Current Chicago public high school students who are Chicago residents, including rising freshmen and just-graduated seniors, are eligible. Some spots are available to non-CPS high school students.
For inquiries related to the teen application please call 312-742-4182 or email [email protected].
Starting January 2019, we will begin enrolling all teens without direct deposit onto the Wisely Pay card, allowing teens to receive their stipend or pay immediately and giving them the ability to spend and manage their money easily.
Learn more about the Wisely Pay card, and find answers to frequently asked questions here.
