To participate in an After School Matters program, a teen must be:

• A resident of Chicago.
• 14 years old by September 1, 2020.
• A current Chicago public high school student. Some spots are available to non-CPS high school students.
• For summer program session, rising freshman and just-graduated seniors are eligible to participate.
• For internships and assistantships, a teen must be 16 years old by the first day of program.
• Certain programs may have other requirements that will be noted on the application.

Please have the following information available when completing the application. You can go back into your application using your assigned Application ID number.

• Home address
• Email: please provide the email address you check most often as this is how you will be notified of program placement.
• Parent/guardian email and phone: needed as an emergency contact
• Social Security/ITIN Card: required for a teen to be eligible to receive a stipend
• Ventra Account ID: this is different than your Ventra card number. Click HERE for instructions on how to find your Account ID.

• You will be assigned an Application ID Number; this will allow you to log back into your application using the “Edit an Existing Application” option.
• Fill out basic information. It would be helpful to have your Social Security/ITIN card handy but is not necessary to complete the application.
• Search for programs by area of interest, location, or searching key words.
• Look at the schedule and location to confirm you are available when the program meets and can get to/from the program site.
• You can apply for up to three programs but can only participate in one. Once you submit your application, you cannot make any changes.
• Be sure you select submit! You will get an email confirmation.

• Teens will interview or audition for the programs they applied to.
  • If you applied to programs at Gallery 37, The Michael and Karen Lutz Center, or Gately Park refer to the instructions in your application confirmation email about program interviews.
  • If you are selected to interview or audition for a program, the instructor will contact you via email, call, or text.
  • Not all teens who apply will be interviewed or auditioned, and not all teens who interview or audition will be accepted.
• Teens will be notified of program placement by email. If you apply after the notification date, you will be contacted by the instructor about program placement.
• If you are not placed in any of the programs you applied, you will be offered the opportunity to apply for one additional program.
• Enter Direct Deposit information or teen will be enrolled in Wisely and card will be sent to home address provided.

After School Matters programs provide Chicago teens endless opportunities to explore areas of interest and learn new skills. There is no cost, in fact, teens are 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!

After School Matters programs are offered at community organizations, parks, high schools and libraries throughout Chicago, as well as at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, The Michael and Karen Lutz Center, and Gately Park. Program location and address is listed on the application.

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. Teens who apply to our programs will receive a status notification via email. This email will let you know if 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.

You can participate in more than one program but will only be eligible to earn a stipend for one program. Teens are expected to attend any program they are enrolled in.