After School Matters is now accepting applications for its Fall program session, which begins September 17. Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered at 53 Chicago Public Schools high schools, more than 100 community organizations, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations across the city, as well as Downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. A few of the innovative programs being offered this Fall include:

• Wicked Truth Film Production — tech37 (Alternatives, Inc. in Uptown) — This program introduces Chicago teens to the theory and technique of digital filmmaking. Teens will work on all aspects of the production process, creating video projects that explore issues in their communities.
• Advanced Culinary Arts — gallery37 (Bethlehem Lutheran Church in East Side) — Advanced Culinary Arts will give teen apprentices the skills necessary to prepare healthy and sustainable meals for themselves and their families, along with the training necessary to obtain jobs in the culinary hospitality industry. The program also focuses on cake decorating, table setting and catering for large groups.
• Radio Arte — words37 (RadioArte/WRTE-FM in Pilsen) —During the course of this radio journalism program, teens will produce multimedia pieces, lead a peer workshop and contribute to current WRTE productions.

Teens can search for programs that interest them at locations in and around their neighborhood, at www.afterschoolmatters.org.