After School Matters is now accepting applications for its fall program.
More than 300 programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered citywide beginning the week of Sept. 28 at more than 70 Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community-based organization locations throughout the city.
In all, about 7,000 paid apprenticeships and internships will be available to Chicago high school teens this fall. The programs meet approximately three days a week for three hours per day over the course of 10 weeks.
Participating teens will be eligible to earn a stipend of between $275 and $425 (depending on the program level), and interns can earn $10 per hour.
“With programs all over the city, in a variety of content areas, every teen has the opportunity to develop their passions and skill sets, which helps them succeed in school now while preparing them for college and a career,” Mary Ellen Caron, chief executive officer of After School Matters, said in a written statement.
Here are a few of the programs being offered on the West Side:
Ring Leaders (sports) at the Chicago Youth Boxing Club in South Lawndale: Ring Leaders prepares teens to become amateur boxing youth coaches, instructors and officials by teaching them the physical and professional components of the sport. After learning coaching techniques, methods of group management and sports instruction, teens create their own lesson plans to run weekly practicum sessions for youth in the community aged 6 to 12.
AfriCaribbean Arst Connection (performance arts/dance) at Columbus Park: Participants will perform West Side Story is a cultural education program incorporating dance, music, and textile art to help teens connect to their roots from the West Side of Chicago, throughout the city, to Africa, the Caribbean and beyond.
Brand BUILD (visual art/jewelry making) at 5100 W. Harrison: This is an entrepreneurial beading program that teaches jewelry making and business skills in a group setting that allows for personal and professional growth. Become a Brand BUILD apprentice the fall and learn hands-on how to make and design jewelry while learning the business skills to meet your personal and professional goals!
The Lifeguard apprenticeship (sports-related certification) at Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy: This apprenticeship offers teens an opportunity to train to become lifeguards. Apprentices are trained in aquatic rescues, CPR and other life-saving skills. Certification requirements include swimming 200 yards in less than 3.5 minutes, swimming 25 yards underwater, retrieving an object from the bottom of a pool in 14 feet of water, breaking a front and rear strangle hold, and towing a victim 25 yards
West African Djembe Drumming (music/drumming) at Austin Community Resource Center: This program explores the rich tradition of the West African Djembe drum, its music, geographic/ethnic origins and cultural significance. Apprentices will learn about the djembe drum and the cultures from which it emanates. Hand technique for djembe drumming, stick technique for dunun drumming and traditional rhythms will be taught.
Chicago teens who live in Chicago, are at least 14 years old (16 for internships) and entering or currently enrolled in high school are eligible to apply. 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.
To find a program near you, click here.
For more information, call (312) 742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.