After School Matters

After School Matters (ASM) is a Chicago organization that offers paid programs for city high school students, mostly teens ages 14 to 18. Most programs are apprenticeships, which are hands-on programs where teens build skills in one subject area with instructors and peers. Older teens can also join outreach assistantships, which offer workplace projects with mentors, or internships, which connect to career pathways. Apprentices and outreach assistants earn a stipend for completing the program, and interns are paid an hourly wage. Stipend amounts vary by program. Program areas include the arts, communication and leadership, sports, and STEM, with examples such as graphic design, robotics, film production, welding, and astronomy. Programs take place at ASM teen centers and at schools, parks, libraries, and community organizations across Chicago. ASM runs three sessions a year: spring (late February to mid-May), summer (late June to early August), and fall. The fall 2026 session runs September 28 to December 12, 2026.

To apply, a teen must live in the City of Chicago and attend a Chicago high school. Apprenticeships are open to teens ages 14 and up, and outreach assistantships and internships to teens 16 and older. Teens can apply online to up to six programs per session but may join one program per session, and most programs require an in-person interview. Spring applications open in January and summer applications open in April.