About After school matters
After School Matters is a non-profit organization that provides teenagers in Chicago with the opportunity to explore their passions and develop their talents through free programs. The organization was founded in 1991 by former Chicago First Lady, Maggie Daley, and has since grown to become one of the largest and most successful after-school programs in the country.
The mission of After School Matters is to provide teens with a safe and supportive environment where they can learn new skills, build self-confidence, and develop positive relationships with peers and mentors. The organization offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines including arts, sports, science, technology, culinary arts, fashion design, journalism and more.
One of the unique aspects of After School Matters is its focus on providing teens with real-world experiences that prepare them for future careers. Many of the programs are designed in partnership with local businesses and organizations so that students can gain hands-on experience working in fields related to their interests.
For example, students interested in culinary arts can participate in apprenticeships at local restaurants or catering companies. Those interested in fashion design can work on projects for local boutiques or designers. Students interested in journalism can contribute articles to local newspapers or websites.
In addition to providing valuable career preparation opportunities for teens, After School Matters also helps bridge the opportunity gap by providing access to resources that many low-income families may not have otherwise. All programs are completely free for participants which means that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from participating.
Since its inception over 30 years ago, After School Matters has served over 200 thousand teenagers across Chicago. The impact of this organization cannot be overstated as it has helped countless young people discover their passions while also preparing them for successful futures.
If you're looking for an after-school program that will help your teen grow academically while also developing important life skills then look no further than After School Matters! With its wide range of programming options across various disciplines coupled with its commitment to providing real-world experiences there's no better place for your teen than here!