After School Matters is currently accepting applications for its Spring programs, most of which begin early February. 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 include:

• Mosaic Collaborative — gallery37 (Chicago Mosaic School in North Center)
  Teens learn mosaic skills and work together on mosaic design, concepts and color to create a cohesive mosaic mural work that is sustainable and a source of pride for the teens and the community.
• BIZ Boot Camp – Innovation (Hyde Park High School in Hyde Park)
  The Support Group’s BIZ Boot Camp is designed to spark teen’s interest in entrepreneurship. Students will learn skills in marketing, advertising, budgeting and event planning.
• True Star Editorial – words37 (Morgan Park High School in Morgan Park)
  The True Star Media Apprenticeship program builds teens writing, communication, business, creative and basic life skills through the development of the quarterly True Star magazine, the True Star Radio weekly radio show, daily blog Truestaris.com, and a mini-magazine, True Star Jr.

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 discuss and present their skills and interests.