Skip to main content

Applications Now Open for After School MattersĀ® Spring Programs

 

Media Contact:
Michael Crowley
Communications Director
312.239.5233
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2014
 
Program photos available for download here
 
 
Applications Now Open for Chicago High School Teens Seeking Paid Apprenticeship Programs and Internships with After School Matters®
 
Approximately 7,000 program opportunities available to Chicago teens this spring
 
CHICAGO--After School Matters® is now accepting applications for its Spring program cycle. Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered beginning the week of February 2 at Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community-based organization locations across the city.
 
In total, approximately 7,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities in more than 300 programs will be available to Chicago high school teens this spring through After School Matters. Spring programs will meet approximately three days a week for three hours per day over the course of 10 weeks. This spring, participating teens will be eligible to earn a stipend of between $275 and $425 (depending on the program level), more than double the previous School Year stipend amount. Interns can earn $8.25 per hour.
 
"After School Matters is dedicated to helping Chicago youth reach their potential by providing a diverse range of programs that appeal to the various interests and passions of our teens," said Mary Ellen Caron, chief executive officer of After School Matters. "Our devoted instructors, enthusiastic teens and creative program offerings cultivate a positive and educational opportunity for teens to grow and learn, all while having fun in a safe environment."
 
After School Matters unique programs offer teens an opportunity to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Multiple independent studies and recent data have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have fewer course failures, improved attendance and higher high school graduation rates.
 
A few of the innovative programs offered throughout the city this spring include:
 
BeatLAB - Tech
Location: Better Boys Foundation, Lawndale
BeatLAB is a digital music program that teaches teens the basics of music theory and note reading, recording, improvising and composition instruction. Teens work in BBF's music technology studio, which houses 12 individual workstations each outfitted with an Apple MacBook computer and MIDI keyboard.
 
Business Engineering for Future Leaders - Tech
Location: Robeson High School, Englewood
This program educates teens on business planning, technology, problem solving, critical thinking, financial planning, relationship building and more using a hands-on approach and project-based learning. Teens will learn presentation skills, unconventional thinking and how to build a business from the ground up.
 
Glass Mosaic Project - Arts
Location: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, Loop
Teens in this program will work to create a public art memorial honoring former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley. This memorial, which will be displayed in Maggie Daley Park, will reflect Mrs. Daley's luminous personality, her vision and dedication to the teens of Chicago, as well as her love of the arts.
 
Jr. Fitness Cadets - Sports
Location: Gage Park Field House, Gage Park
Jr. Fitness Cadets helps train teens to become certified through the Exercise Safety Association in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, leadership principles, personal training and group leadership. Teens are also trained in yoga and wellness, and have the opportunity to earn certifications in American Red Cross, First Aid, CPR and AED.
 
Lifeguard - Sports
Location: Stanton Park, Near North Side
Through this program, teens are trained in aquatic rescue, CPR and other life-saving skills and have the opportunity to become certified lifeguards. Teens who earn the certifications will have the skill set necessary to apply for a summer job as a lifeguard through the Chicago Park District.
 
Music Video Production - Tech
Location: Prosser Career Academy High School, Belmont Cragin
Music Video Production explores video production with an emphasis on original music and content. In this program, teens will learn to mix beats, produce, direct, shoot and edit their own music videos.
 
True Star & Chicago Park District Multi-Media Central - Words
Location: Garfield Park Field House, Garfield Park
In this writing and journalism program, teens build their oral and written communication skills through the development of a quarterly magazine. Teens have the opportunity to showcase their work to the community by researching and writing articles to be published in True Star Magazine and The Park.
 
Video Game Making - Tech
Location: Uplift Community High School, Uptown
Teens create original video games in both a group setting and individually based on the basic skill-set they will learn at the beginning of the program cycle. Teens will set and meet goals by breaking down the video game-making process into daily steps and seeing the project through to completion.
 
Youth "Violence Intervention Project" - Science
Location: Quad Communities Development Corporation, Bronzeville
The Youth VIP Initiative provides teens with an all-encompassing curriculum that teaches research methods, multi-media production, communication skills, organization, leadership and policy skills. The goal of the program is to help teens develop leadership skills and improve civic engagement, while also addressing issues of community violence.
 
Teens can search and apply for Spring programs online atwww.afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen residents who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships) and who are entering or currently enrolled in high school. Teens who have been in After School Matters for three or more sessions will be given priority consideration for internships. As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss and present their skills and interests. Chicago teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly. For questions about programs and applications, call 312-742-4182 or email info@afterschoolmatters.org.
 
For more information about After School Matters and to apply for Spring programs, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org. Follow After School Matters on Twitter at @aftrschoolmttrs, on Facebook at facebook.com/afterschoolmatters, on YouTube at youtube.com/aftrschoolmttrs, and on Instagram at AfterSchoolMatters.
 
~ ~ ~
 
About After School Matters:
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago high school teens high quality, out-of-school time opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Over the past two decades, more than 200,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, project-based arts, communications, science, sports and technology programs at Chicago public high schools, community locations across the city and Downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. After School Matters programs are developed and delivered through a network of public and private partnerships, including Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library and a wide range of community organizations. www.afterschoolmatters.org
 
# # # 

Connect with us

Stay up to date with the the latest news and events related to the portal.

Share your story

What's going on in Englewood? Share your story and become an author on the portal.

Powered by Teamwork Englewood

Uniting organizations serving Englewood residents and working toward the common goal of building a stronger community.

More about Teamwork Englewood »