Youth
After School Matters® is a popular program for teens and the application process is now open for sessions that begin June 25. After School Matters® has more than 700 programs in the arts, communications, leadership, sports and STEM fields at Chicago public high schools. The programs are also offered in the Chicago Park District, at the Chicago Public Library and various community organization locations throughout the city. This is the largest amount of summer programs After School Matters has ever offered.
In total, nearly 13,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this summer through After School Matters. Participating teen apprentices will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $725 depending on the program level. Interns can earn up to $10.50 per hour.
A few of the exciting programs offered throughout the city this summer include:
AeroStars Aviation Exploration – STEM
Location: Young Women’s Leadership Charter School/Douglas
In this program, teens discover the rich history of aviation and participate in experiments, modeling, airport design and flight simulation. Participants gain hands-on experience in the aerospace industry through field trips to local airports, aerospace businesses, aerospace museum exhibits and the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Chicago Lights Urban Farm – STEM
Location: Chicago Lights Urban Farm/Near North Side
At the Chicago Lights Urban Farm, teens learn about agricultural tools and develop skills in urban farming. As they grow, harvest and sell fresh produce on an urban farm, they also serve the neighborhood by preparing delicious meals with nutritious food and sharing healthy eating habits.
Chicagoland Mosaic Mural: Bead Town – Arts
Location: Millennium Park/The Loop
Teens in this program will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “Largest Bead Mosaic.” They will learn how to solve problems while using beads repurposed from one of the most famous parties on earth — Mardi Gras!
Girls in the Game Summer Camp – Sports
Location: Douglas Park/North Lawndale
Teens in this program will come together to play sports and learn about healthy lifestyle choices from positive adult role models. Camp counselors and adult staff will lead clinics on more than 30 different sports and fitness activities and offer interactive workshops on health and leadership topics.
Hidden Treasures – Sports
Location: 6th District Police Office/Auburn Gresham
In this program, teens work alongside Chicago police officers to learn from one another and explore skills in dance and performing arts. This partnership supports positive relationship building between the Chicago Police Department and Chicago youth.
#IncreaseThePeace – Communications and Leadership
Location: Back of the Yards
#IncreaseThePeace is an apprenticeship program run by the Resurrection Project that will teach teens the basics in community organizing. By the end of the program, teens will have conducted three campaigns either on community safety, a beautification project or hosting an information session on community issues. The young leaders will also have a meeting with Back of the Yards Alderman and be able to have a question and answer session with the alderman that will depend on what issues are most important to the students.
Peacemakers – Communications and Leadership
Location: Lutz Center/Belmont Cragin
Through the Peacemakers program, teens work to stop the violence and make a positive contribution in their communities. Teens will learn about the peace-building process, reflect on their communities, recognize their roles as peacemakers and design a project to spread the message of peace. This program is one of fifty After School Matters Peacemaker programs throughout the city. The project will conclude with an opportunity for teens to showcase their accomplishments.
Underwater Robotics – STEM
Location: Northeastern Illinois University/North Park
This program will focus on developing participating teens’ basic understanding of engineering, design and manufacturing using 3D printers. Teens will develop inquiry-based approaches for the creation of robots through sketching and building. They will also develop computer-aided designs to build attachments for competition needs.
West African Djembe Drumming – Arts
Location: Church on the Block/Austin
In this program, teens will explore the rich tradition of the West African Djembe drum, including its music, geographic/ethnic origins and cultural significance. They will develop skills in basic hand techniques for djembe drumming and stick techniques for dunun drumming, culminating in a final showcase performance.
Teens can search and apply for summer 2018 programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago 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 questions about programs and applications, call 312-742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.
About Post Author
