On September 18, more than 350 civic, corporate, and community leaders came together at 167 Events in the Fulton Market District for the After School Matters® Annual Gala. With more than $2.4 million raised and counting, the evening was a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, Chicagoans rally around and invest in our next generation of leaders. As Chicago’s largest and a leading national provider of out-of-school programs, After School Matters serves nearly 19,000 teens each year. The 2025 Gala featured teen showcases, performances, remarks from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, CEO Mary Ellen Caron, and Board Chair Mellody Hobson, and a preview of the brand-new After School Matters at Orleans teen center opening in Chicago’s Cabrini community this fall. After School Matters announced the success of the Teens Building Chicago’s Future campaign and celebrated the soon-to-be After School Matters at Orleans building — a renovated 36,000 square foot teen programming space which will have a state-of-the-art kitchen, gym, theater, skills trade lab, and more. All After School Matters programs are free for young people, and teens are paid a stipend for their participation. To learn more about After School Matters, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

Photo Credit: After School Matters