After School Matters

After School Matters

Provides paid out-of-school programs for teens

Overview

After School Matters runs paid, hands-on after-school programs for Chicago teens in arts, leadership, sports, and STEM, delivered through schools, parks, libraries, community centers, and ASM facilities. Teens enroll in structured opportunities, complete activities, and receive stipends on program completion, with funding from donations, grants, and partnerships. This approach emphasizes community-based, paid experiences rather than tuition-based or classroom-only models, helping teens gain work readiness and college preparation. The goal is to empower Chicago teens by providing meaningful out-of-school experiences that build talents and critical life skills for work, higher education, and beyond.

About After School Matters

Simplify's Rating
Why After School Matters is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Social Impact

Education

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1991

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • FY25 annual report shows 26,506 teen participants, up from 24,398 in FY24.
  • Chicago approved $5 million TIF support for Orleans in July 2025, de-risking expansion.
  • ASM’s 35th-anniversary fundraising and 2026 gala signal durable brand momentum and donor reach.

What critics are saying

  • Orleans relied on a $14 million loan, exposing ASM to debt service pressure.
  • FY26 funding depends on Illinois and Chicago budget politics, threatening program continuity.
  • A donor-driven model faces existential risk if public grants and philanthropy weaken simultaneously.

What makes After School Matters unique

  • Chicago-only teen network spans 1,645 programs and 24,000+ opportunities in FY25.
  • Orleans Teen Center opened in 2025, adding 36,000 square feet for 1,500 teens.
  • Paid stipends and citywide placements in schools, parks, libraries, and ASM facilities create access.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Budget

Company News

RAP INDUSTRY
Mar 19th, 2026
Leon Thomas, Clipse, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Uzi Vert & more set for Lollapalooza 2026.

Leon Thomas, Clipse, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Uzi Vert & more set for Lollapalooza 2026. Charli xcx, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, JENNIE, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx are set to headline Lollapalooza 2026, which will also feature performances by Lil Uzi Vert, Turnstile, Sombr, The Neighbourhood, YUNGBLUD, Beabadoobee, Ethel Cain, Empire Of The Sun, Major Lazer, Zara Larsson, and much, much more. The legendary annual celebration of music takes place July 30-August 2, with more than 100 artists on eight stages, delivering four full days of music and interactive programming in Chicago's crown jewel, Grant Park. This year's lineup includes an exceptional roster of talent, providing something for every musical taste, with performances from Leon Thomas, Clipse, Geese, Freddie Gibbs, Wet Leg, WORSHIP, Blood Orange, 5 Seconds of Summer, Yoasobi, Viagra Boys, Snow Strippers, DJ Trixie Mattel, Cameron Whitcomb, Ecca Vandal, The Bends, Calder Allen, and many more. In addition to featuring K-pop superstars aespa, I-dle and CORTIS, this year's lineup also includes a phenomenal group of must-see breakout artists such as Audrey Hobert, Oklou, SIENNA SPIRO, Skye Newman, ADÉLA, Ninajirachi, Finn Wolfhard, and more. New this year, Lollapalooza is introducing several premium hospitality experiences, including the Northside Suites, Suites at Perry's, and the Speakeasy Lounge. Located at the Bud Light North Main Stage, the Northside Suites provide guests with a private, air-conditioned suite experience for up to 15 guests per day, complete with premium seating, a private rooftop viewing deck overlooking the stage and Chicago skyline, complimentary all-day food and beverages, and dedicated hospitality service. The Suites at Perry's will also offer a similar elevated experience at the festival's iconic dance stage, giving guests a private suite with rooftop viewing, curated dining, complimentary all-day food and beverages, and access to all VIP amenities throughout Grant Park. Meanwhile, the Speakeasy Lounge introduces a new private hospitality concept designed for groups of 25-75 guests, providing an exclusive, air-conditioned lounge with classic speakeasy styling, complimentary food and beverage service, and a dedicated concierge team, all while remaining connected to the energy of the festival. Lollapalooza's contribution to the City of Chicago leads all other festivals in the country. While the festival only takes place over one four-day weekend in the summer, its producer, C3 Presents, strives to deliver meaningful engagement programs and create positive impacts in the city year-round. Lollapalooza works to support the local community in various areas, with a focus on introducing Chicago youth to creative opportunities in the festival industry and reducing barriers to arts access in Chicago schools. As part of this commitment, Lollapalooza has invested over $3.9M in Chicago Public Schools arts education programs since 2021. This includes the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, which provides grants to schools for the creation of arts programs and spaces. Together, these initiatives have expanded arts education access at over 100 schools and reached more than 65,000 students. In addition, Lollapalooza has partnered with local nonprofits including After School Matters, Community Goods and Yollocalli to integrate art by Chicago youth into the festival, hosts the annual Lollapalooza & Sueños Festival Job Fair to increase access to careers in the festival industry, and engages with the Chicago arts and culture community year-round through ongoing partnerships with Festival University, Teens in the Park Fest, the Chicago Juneteenth Planning Coalition, and Musically Fed.

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