Foundation Friday: After School Matters Empowering Chicago's Youth

The initiative impacts 19,000 teenagers each year through 600 programs throughout the city. What makes ASM unique is not just the wide variety of programs offered, but also its dedication to empowering students to cultivate vital skills.

ASM

was the selected charity beneficiary of the NBA All-Star Weekend 2020

in Chicago. Four years later, its time with the NBA and collaboration with the NBA Foundation has enabled the expansion of its programs to reach even more teens. 

Equity and impact

ASM aims to allow teens to focus on learning without worrying about balancing jobs or commuting costs. This stipend-based structure helps many students contribute to their families or afford school supplies while they build career skills. Programs range from culinary arts to sports officiating, led by professionals in their respective fields, like Joffrey Ballet dancers or trained Chicago chefs, ensuring students are mentored by experts.

“We want our teens to know they’re investing in their future, and we’re investing in them,” said Ruth

Lednicer

, ASM’s

director of marketing & communications

. “[Students] often tell us, ‘This is the first time someone has invested in me like this,’ motivating them to stay engaged and strive for more.”

New initiatives, expanding opportunities

ASM says it is committed to meeting the evolving needs of youth in Chicago. By continually enhancing its programs and services, the organization says it empowers emerging leaders, providing them with valuable resources and opportunities that foster growth, self-confidence and a brighter future.

The organization is spreading its reach with a new 36,000-square-foot facility set to open in 2025. This innovative space in the Cabrini neighborhood will include a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen, a black box theater, art studios, STEM labs, a gymnasium, wood shop and outdoor areas for urban gardening. It aims to serve around 1,500 teens annually, significantly enriching their opportunities for personal and academic development. 

Partnerships with NBA Foundation and Chicago Bulls further enhance opportunities, allowing students to explore various career paths in sports such as marketing, management and officiating, among others. 

ASM also rebranded its retail site, where teens can submit their creations for sale.

“Everything we do is about teen voice,” 

Lednicer

said. “Our teens always say ‘nothing about us without us,” When a teen’s product is selected for sale, the student will receive a certificate to enhance their resume, showcasing their accomplishments in a tangible way.”

Alumni resources, Continuing support

The support doesn’t stop at graduation. ASM continues to bolster its teens beyond high school through an active alumni network that offers information on job opportunities, scholarships and networking opportunities. Many alumni successfully pursue careers across various fields, leveraging the skills and connections gained through ASM. Former students often return to mentor new participants or engage in networking events, ensuring the After School Matters experience endures well past graduation.

Getting involved

Teens interested in joining can easily apply

, and explore programs tailored to their interests. With flexible schedules and a range of options in technology, sports, arts, and entrepreneurship, there’s truly something for everyone.