After School Matters® will provide more than 10,000 Chicago teens with free after-school program opportunities this spring, marking the organization’s largest Spring Session to date. Teens can apply to hundreds of programs across the city in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM. The 11-week Spring Session begins the week of February 23, and all participants earn a stipend. Interested teens can apply at afterschoolmatters.org. In addition to expanding access, After School Matters is increasing school-year teen stipends by $25 to $75, depending on the program model, beginning with the 2026 Spring Session (February 23–May 9). A few of the exciting programs offered this spring include:

Culinary Arts

Teens learn new culinary skills and perfect their cooking techniques. Participants receive the training necessary to obtain jobs in the culinary and hospitality industry or simply to prepare healthy and sustainable meals for themselves and their families.

Skate for Success

Teens learn skateboarding techniques, build their own brands, set skateboarding goals and personal goals, and motivate each other to succeed on and off their boards.

West Town Bikes

Teens combine bike riding, repair, and safety with city planning, all while advocating for a more bike friendly city and community in Belmont Cragin.

Photo Credit: After School Matters