After School Matters® Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2013 Programs
ASM Press Release
Published: September 9, 2013
Modified Press Release - Media information shown at bottom of article
More than 7,000 program opportunities in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered to teens across Chicago this fall
CHICAGO—After School Matters is now accepting applications for its Fall apprenticeship and internship programs, which will begin October 1. Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered at 56 Chicago Public Schools high schools, approximately 100 community organizations, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations across the city, as well as Downtown at the Gallery37 Center for the Arts. In total, more than 7,000 opportunities in more than 250 programs will be available to Chicago teens this fall.
After School Matters unique programs offer teens an opportunity to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. A few of the innovative programs offered throughout the city this fall include:
Location: Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in North Park
Teens will learn traditional Korean percussion with a variety of different instruments and perform in ethnic and community festivals. Through peer-led workshops, teens will also research current issues affecting youth today and practice their public speaking skills.
Location:Spencer Elementary Math & Science Academy in Austin
Digital STEMSEL is an engaging, project-based technology and engineering program. Teens will learn engineering concepts through the programming of microchips while creating projects that apply to everyday life. The goal of Digital STEMSEL is to provide unique exposure to a variety of opportunities that may lead to engineering careers.
- Urban Garden Scientists and Designers (Downtown Program)
Location: Gallery37 Downtown
In this environmental STEAM-based program, teens will work alongside scientists and industry professionals to learn about sustainable agriculture and green engineering. Teens in this program will draft plans to create an urban garden on the rooftop of Gallery37!
- Englewood Codes: Web & Writing Workshop
Location:Teamwork Englewood in Englewood
Teens in Englewood Codes: Web & Writing Workshop will learn how to design, build and maintain their own multimedia websites while gaining skills needed for success in college, technology careers and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Blocks Together Peace Ambassadors
Location:West Town Academy in West Town
The Blocks Together Peace Ambassador program teaches community organizing and advocacy skills in an effort to address school violence. This program gives teens the opportunity to be a part of solving issues they face every day such as violence, bullying and negativity in school. Teens will participate in community outreach events and meetings.
- Achieving Wellness with Capoeira
Location:Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy High School in Little Village
This program encourages health and fitness through the art form of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. Teens will develop a consistent exercise regimen, healthy eating practices and will identify sustainable ways to build healthy lifestyles. Teens will receive an introduction to physiology and the muscular system in order to understand the relationship between regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet to combat obesity and achieve physical wellness.
- Community Influenced Pop Art
Location:Bogan High School in Ashburn
Teens in this program take elements of their environment and community and merge those visuals with traditional painting techniques to create pop art. At the conclusion of the program, teens will have experience working on a group mural as well as a portfolio of vibrant contemporary pop art that is relevant to the community.
All After School Matters programs, which typically meet three days a week for 60-90 hours over the course of 10 weeks, are free and open to Chicago teen residents who are at least 14 years of age, and entering or currently enrolled in high school. Teens can search for programs that interest them at locations in and around their neighborhood at www.afterschoolmatters.org. Teens must apply online and meet with program instructors to interview or audition for the program. Teens are encouraged to apply early as program opportunities fill up quickly.
Founded in 1991 by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, After School Matters provides teens with opportunities that supplement and enrich the learning that takes place during the traditional school day.
“After School Matters strives to offer Chicago teens unique and productive program opportunities in safe and enriching environments throughout the school year and summer,” said Mary Ellen Caron, chief executive officer of After School Matters. “By supporting their development of skills in a variety of content areas, as well as important career readiness skills, we help them discover their potential and gain the confidence they need to find their future.”
Multiple independent studies and recent data analysis have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters apprenticeship programs have fewer course failures, better attendance and higher high school graduation rates. In fact, After School Matters teens who participate for three or more program cycles were found to enroll in college at an 18 percent higher rate and attend nearly 12 more days of high school annually than their CPS peers.
For more information about After School Matters and to apply for Fall programs, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org. Follow After School Matters on Twitter at @aftrschoolmttrs and on Facebook at facebook.com/afterschoolmatters.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Suied for After School Matters
312-702-8962 / Emily_Suied@jtpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Program photos available for download here.
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About After School Matters Founded in 1991 by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, 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 100,000 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 Gallery37 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.
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