New winter programs available and nearly 7,000 program opportunities offered spring 2019

After School Matters® is now excepting applications for spring 2019 programs, which will begin the week of February 12. Students can choose from more than 400 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city. Programs will also continue to be offered downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and at The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in Belmont Cragin. Teens can search and apply for spring programs online at afterschoolmatters.org. This mobile-friendly application includes an interactive map to help teens search for programs, as well as, a full Spanish translation feature.

New this year, After School Matters is excited to introduce Winter Takeover — a four-day innovative program allowing teens to take advantage of After School Matters programs while on winter break. Winter Takeover runs from January 2 to January 5 downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. Teens can visit our website and apply for both winter programs and spring programs now.

After School Matters programs offer teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter specific skills, while also developing critical thinking skills in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness and more. Multiple independent studies have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved school-day attendance and higher graduation rates than their peers.

In total, nearly 7,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this spring through After School Matters. Participating teen apprentices will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $425 depending on the program level; interns can earn up to $10.50 per hour.

“This spring, After School Matters is providing nearly 7,000 teen opportunities in safe, productive and inspiring environments that will prepare them for college, careers and beyond,” said After School Matters CEO Mary Ellen Caron. “The skills that teens learn in our programs help them to develop a strong foundation that they can build upon throughout the rest of their lives.”

A few of the exciting programs offered throughout the city this spring include:

 AeroStars Aviation Exploration – STEM

Location: Air Force Academy High School/Armour Square

In this program, teens discover the rich history of aviation and participate in experiments, modeling, airport design and flight simulation. Participants get hands-on experience in the aerospace industry through field trips to local airports, aerospace businesses, aerospace and museum exhibits.

 Bikes ‘N Roses – Sports

Location: Bikes N’ Roses/Albany Park

Teens will learn to build and repair bikes while developing communication and entrepreneurial skills through interaction with real customers and helping run a business. This program offers youth a comprehensive bike curriculum, in-depth youth development opportunities, and connections to community and industry partners.

 DJ Foundations – STEM

Location: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts/Loop

In this program, teens will learn the art of selecting and mixing music for a variety of events, occasions and audiences. These fundamentals are transferable to several industries including music production, film, television and radio. Additionally, teens will be exposed to professional soft skills required to be a successful DJ.

 Mural Project – Arts

Location: Spry Community Links High School/South Lawndale

In this program, teens work as a team to create a powerful and inspiring mural that will display the teens’ talents and commitment to their community. Teens will be able to contribute through designing and creating a mural that will be publicly displayed and showcased.

 Ignition Community Glass’ Deep Dive into Hands-on Glass Blowing and Flame Working – Arts

Location: Ignition Community Glass/West Town

This unique arts program introduces teens to glass blowing where they will focus on sculpting and lamp working. Students engage in the dynamic process of designing and creating public installation pieces, while working individually and in groups.

Mixed Martial Arts – Sports

Location: Lutz Family Center/Belmont Cragin

This program is designed to introduce teens to martial arts in a fun and safe environment. The program consists of alternating training days of boxing, muay thai, grappling and kickboxing instruction. Teens learn self-management, discipline, listening, and cooperation skills while demonstrating respect towards others.

 Teens can search and apply for Spring 2019 programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen high school students who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships). As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss their interests. Teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly.

For questions about programs and applications, call 312-742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org. Para mas información en Español llámenos al 312-846-7106 o mándenos un correo electrónico al espanol@afterschoolmatters.org.

For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.