After School Matters® is now accepting applications for the summer.
Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered beginning the week of June 29 for “advanced apprenticeships” and July 6 for all other programs at Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community-based organization locations across the city.
This year, After School Matters will provide 9,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities – about 1,000 more than last summer – in more than 430 programs.
Programs typically meet four hours per day, four-to-five days per week over the course of six to seven weeks. This summer, participating teens will be eligible to earn a stipend of $336 to $725 (depending on the program level), and interns can earn $10 an hour.
All programs are free and open to Chicago teen residents who are at least 14 (16 for internships) and who are entering or currently enrolled in high school.
Here are a few of the programs that will be offered throughout the city this summer – – –
AeroStars Aviation Exploration at the Air Force Academy High School in Armour Square: Hands-on activities include experiments, such as building kites and model airplanes, flying flight simulators, designing model airports and taking field trips to local airports, aerospace companies and museum exhibits, as well as the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Blocks Together Peace Ambassadors at Blocks Together in Humboldt Park: The program helps students take an active role in trying to reduce violence in their community and change their neighborhood for the better. Teens will also learn about the different types of employment opportunities available at the community level.
City Chefs at Lawrence Hall Youth Services in Lincoln Square: City Chefs involves a comprehensive, hands-on experience for youth interested in the culinary fields. Teens will learn skills in menu planning, cooking for small/large groups and customer relations.
CHOICES Robotics at LevelUP Teen Center at Ford City Shopping Mall in West Lawn: The goal is to expose teens to the various career opportunities available in engineering sciences. Teens will actively participate in competition-quality robotics teams and open-ended design projects that utilize robotics.
Colored Girls Are Cover Girls at Christian Valley Baptist Church in North Lawndale: Young women use their voices and their writings to educate their peers and community on the plights many young women of color experience, while simultaneously building their own confidence and self-esteem.
DJ Camp 101 at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy in Kenwood: This program introduces teens to the art form of being a DJ. Teens will use state-of-the-art music software and DJ equipment to learn the fundamental skills of sound engineering, and they will also learn essential knowledge related to developing artistic and business skills.
Music Video Production at Prosser Career Academy High School in Belmont Cragin: This program explores video production with an emphasis on original music and content. Teens will have the opportunity to produce, direct, shoot and edit their own videos and music from idea development to production.
Tumbling Into Fitness at Foster Park in Auburn Gresham: Teens learn basic tumbling skills and healthy eating habits. Hands-on activities include a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry and an on-site workshop with a registered dietitian.
As part of the application process, teens interview or audition 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.