Nearly 800 civic, corporate and community leaders attended the After School Matters Annual Gala, themed “Building the Future,” on Tuesday, Sept. 24th at the Wintrust Arena to celebrate an exceptional year of providing after-school and summer programs for Chicago teenagers. This year, After School Matters engaged nearly 19,000 Chicago teens through the organization’s programs, which encourage youth to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. In honor of the Annual Gala, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois headquarters skyscraper on Randolph Street was lit up to display “AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS” during the event in a show of support for the organization and its mission. Individuals, corporations and foundations interested in learning more about After School Matters and the opportunities for support or volunteering can visit afterschoolmatters.org. Applications for After School Matters fall program session are now open. Teens can visit the website to apply.

Photo Credit: After School Matters