After School Matters
Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters, 3435 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
About
After School Matters offers out-of-school programs where teens take part in activities in spaces such as a black-box theater, screen-printing lab, darkroom photography lab, dance studios, welding workshop, culinary kitchens, vocal rehearsal room, design studios, tech labs with 3D printers, and a rooftop garden. The program also features a gym, skilled trades labs, and a shop with unique and creative items made by Chicago teens in After School Matters programs.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: Spring programs run February 23–May 9, and summer programs run June 22–August 9.
After School Matters began in 1991 as a summer arts program and has been operating for 35 years. Its mission is to provide out-of-school opportunities for teens across Chicago to connect, create, and thrive. After School Matters is described as the nation’s largest and most impactful provider of after-school and summer program opportunities for teens and has become a national model for out-of-school time programming. It supports nearly 20,000 teens across Chicago each year with paid opportunities, with programs offered across almost every Chicago neighborhood in schools, parks, community centers, libraries, and community organizations. The organization highlights support for teens with disabilities through its Disabilities Program Spotlight Report and hosts the After School Matters Sneaker Ball fundraiser at After School Matters at Orleans.
After School Matters teens have met with state representatives and senators in Springfield, Illinois, for a day of advocacy. One teen shared, “Having a place like this makes you feel like you’re part of a community. My program is so fun and informative.” ASM alum Janessa Tyler said, “After School Matters gives teens a reason to be excited and want to learn more. I love ASM and all the programs I have been in, they have truly changed me as a person and have helped open up so many doors for me to continue in my career and my college studies.”
Last updated April 18, 2026.
• Ages: 14–18 years old
• Schedule: Spring programs run February 23–May 9, and summer programs run June 22–August 9.
After School Matters began in 1991 as a summer arts program and has been operating for 35 years. Its mission is to provide out-of-school opportunities for teens across Chicago to connect, create, and thrive. After School Matters is described as the nation’s largest and most impactful provider of after-school and summer program opportunities for teens and has become a national model for out-of-school time programming. It supports nearly 20,000 teens across Chicago each year with paid opportunities, with programs offered across almost every Chicago neighborhood in schools, parks, community centers, libraries, and community organizations. The organization highlights support for teens with disabilities through its Disabilities Program Spotlight Report and hosts the After School Matters Sneaker Ball fundraiser at After School Matters at Orleans.
After School Matters teens have met with state representatives and senators in Springfield, Illinois, for a day of advocacy. One teen shared, “Having a place like this makes you feel like you’re part of a community. My program is so fun and informative.” ASM alum Janessa Tyler said, “After School Matters gives teens a reason to be excited and want to learn more. I love ASM and all the programs I have been in, they have truly changed me as a person and have helped open up so many doors for me to continue in my career and my college studies.”
Last updated April 18, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.