After School Matters is now accepting applications for its Summer apprenticeship and internship programs, most of which begin July 1 or July 8. Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered at 30 Chicago Public Schools high schools and at more than 120 community organizations and Chicago Park District locations across the city, as well as downtown at the Gallery37 Center for the Arts and “under the tents” in Millennium Park. Summer apprentices will earn a session stipend of up to $420 and interns will earn $8.25 per hour. A few of the innovative programs offered throughout the city this summer include:

Columbia College Creative Writing — Words37
Location: Gallery37 Center for the Arts in the Loop
The Columbia College Creative Writing program teaches the art of storytelling and connects the power of story to the arts, science and the working world. Through weekly workshops with published writers, teens selected for this advanced apprenticeship program will develop fiction and nonfiction content in story forms including dreams, folktales, essays, sketch comedy writing and more.

Mi Cocina Culinary Arts Club — Gallery37
Location: Casa Central in West Town
Casa Central’s Mi Cocina Culinary Arts Club introduces teens to the culinary arts profession and assists them in developing basic competencies in creating menus, proper sanitation and maintaining a safe kitchen.

Teens are encouraged to apply early as program opportunities fill up quickly. For questions on programs and applications, contact 312-742-4182 or info@afterschoolmatters.org.