After School Matters

After School Matters was excited to host volunteers from our partners at Mesirow at The Michael and Karen Lutz Center on the Northwest Side! 🎉 To start the day, ASM teens engaged in an icebreaker and talked about their final showcasing projects. 💡Mesirow conducted a speed networking session, introducing teens to various career paths within the company. The group also took a tour of the Lutz Center, visiting our Toy Making, Fashion Design, and the Lutz Leadership Council programs. 🌟 Thank you, Mesirow, for your visit and your valuable partnership! 🙌 #teensMATTER

💃 Our Latinos Juntos program rocked the stage at the Chicago Police Department's Officer Appreciation Field Day Event at Soldier Field - ASM Global! 🙌 They dazzled the crowd with their high-energy Chicago house party routine, entertaining CPD’s friends and family. Wayto go!🕺#teensMATTER

Last week, Superintendent Devonta Elzy had a full circle moment leading a tour of the #ObamaPresidentialCenter project site for local teens participating in After School Matters' new CCS program for carpentry students: one of the program managers was Devonta’s very own high school carpentry teacher! Thank you to the students in attendance for bringing your curiosity and passion to the site. It was an honor to host you! #TeamOPC #LakesideAlliance

Sky Cares recently had the opportunity to host our Title IX Tour at the Chicago Red Stars and After School Matters Soccer clinic with Gwendolyn Brooks High School. Huge thanks to the Chicago Red Stars for their willingness to engage in community partnership and help create an impactful experience for the youth. Students participated in various drills led by Red Stars community coaches before playing a competitive scrimmage. Sky Cares closed the event discussing the importance of Title IX and women’s sports! Chicago Community Love. 

Teens from ASM’s Peacemakers program at Perspectives Math & Science Academy had an exciting day of speed networking with CDW volunteers on CDW’s terrace, enjoying the stunning city view and perfect weather! They also received an insightful office tour hearing about CDW’s business model and rich company history. ASM deeply appreciates CDW’s partnership and commitment to supporting Chicago’s teens! 🌟 #teensMATTER

Today is the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed on July 26, 1990! ✨ At After School Matters, we’re proud to honor this day by continuing to champion accessibility and inclusivity. Our programs are designed to be accessible for all youth, and we’re committed to providing employment opportunities for both young people and adults with disabilities. 🙌 Here’s to celebrating progress, embracing diversity, and creating a more inclusive world every day! 💪 #teensMATTER #Inclusivity

🌱 What an awesome day for our teens in the Design. Build. Grow. Eat. @ Gately program! Teens got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Method’s South Side Soap Box in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. The LEED Certified building is a sustainability marvel in Chicago! 🌍💧 Our teens learned about different careers at Method and soaked up company history from enthusiastic volunteers. They even got a bird’s-eye view of the production line from the warehouse balcony! 🙌 To top it off, teens explored Method’s solar panels and wind turbines firsthand. Huge thanks to Method and SC Johnson for investing in Chicago’s future through their support of After School Matters! #teensMATTER #GreenLeaders

🎉 Big shout-out to our partners at Walgreens for an unforgettable day at the Old Post Office last week! 💼 Teens in our Gately Park Leadership Council dove into three rounds of lively speed networking with Walgreens' summer interns across various departments. They soaked up valuable tips on making lasting impressions, from rocking unique attire to crafting thoughtful follow-up emails. 💌 Plus, they explored the stunning building and enjoyed a pizza lunch. 🍕 Thank you, Walgreens, for empowering our teens with such enriching experiences! #teensMATTER

A big thank you to our partners at Jones Day for hosting teens from our Aztec Dance at Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy program! 🌟 The teens had a fantastic time participating in speed networking with Jones Day volunteers and later wowed volunteers and Jones Day staff with a vibrant Aztec Dance celebration. 🎉 Your support and enthusiasm truly make a difference! #teensMATTER

Teens in our Peacemakers at Perspectives Math & Science program enjoyed an enriching day with Wintrust Financial Corporation. Filled with activities, including speed networking, insights from Advisory Board member Richard Murphy, a session on credit fraud, and an engaging office tour. 👏 We are so grateful to Wintrust for providing this immersive experience for our teens! #teensMATTER #EmpoweringYouth