After School Matters is accepting applications for spring 2019 programs, which begin the week of Feb. 12.
Students can choose from more than 400 programs in the arts, communication and leadership, sports and STEM offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city.
Programs will also continue to be offered downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and at The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood.
Teens can search and apply for spring programs online at afterschoolmatters.org. This mobile-friendly application includes an interactive map to help teens search for programs as well as a full Spanish translation feature.
After School Matters programs offer teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter specific skills while also developing critical thinking skills in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness and more.
Multiple independent studies have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher freshmen on-track rates, improved school-day attendance and higher graduation rates than their peers.
In total, nearly 7,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this spring through the program. Participating teen apprentices will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $425 depending on the program; interns can earn up to $10.50 per hour.
“The skills that teens learn in our programs help them to develop a strong foundation that they can build upon throughout the rest of their lives,” After School Matters CEO Mary Ellen Caron said in a statement.
All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen high school students who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships). As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss their interests.
Teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly.
For more information, call (312) 742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.