Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands of Chicago teens with life-changing opportunities.
A Celebration of Collective Purpose
The event was packed with inspiring performances, heartwarming speeches, and incredible displays of teen talent — a vivid demonstration of what can happen when a city invests in its youth. Guests mingled while watching teens showcase everything from boxing to cooking, perfume creation, visual arts and music performances.
Keeping mission front and center, ASM Board Chair Mellody Hobson, who has frequently been recognized by Better for her immense impact as one of the nation’s most powerful women and a top philanthropist, underscored the impact of these programs. “Teens who participate in After School Matters programs are more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to go to college. Half of our seniors, when asked what they want to do with their life, say they want a career based on the program they participated in,” Hobson said. “That shows how much After School Matters programs are influencing young people just off of exposure.”
Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters, spoke to the organization’s future, highlighting a new ASM building being developed at 1065 N. Orleans. “It is a new moment for ASM. We talk a lot about the safe and supportive spaces we provide across the city — and I’m excited that we will be adding another teen-centric ASM building next year in the Cabrini community,” Caron said. “This new, world-class building is a direct investment in Chicago teens — our collective future.”
Raising the Bar — and the Paddle!
An inspiring video featured testimonials from teens like Oliver, a culinary student, and Erica, a recent ASM teen. Their stories, alongside insights from instructors and mentors, painted a powerful picture of the program’s impact, leading into a paddle raise that collected $118,000 for the After School Matters Stipend Fund. This fund ensures teens are paid for their participation in programs.
The evening also featured performances from Latinos Juntos from Curie Metropolitan High School and HHW Vocal Arts Ensemble from Gallery 37, who performed moving renditions of “Dome Epais” and “Prayer of the Children.” ASM creative writing teen Dominic, and Samantha Chatman, ABC7 anchor and alum, kept the crowd engaged and entertained as the evening’s emcees.
Building Futures, Together
After School Matters provides up to 19,000 Chicago teens each year with opportunities to explore creative, career-driven programs that set them up for success. This summer alone, nearly 11,000 teens took part in programs that spanned the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM.
Thanks to the generosity and passion of attendees as well as the event’s Visionary Sponsors, Anonymous, GCM Grosvenor, Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, and Lisa Wardell, Chicago teens will have even more opportunities to find their passion, grow their skills, and shape their futures.
How to Help:
Want to get involved or learn more? Check out After School Matters online to explore ways you can support, volunteer, or donate to help build a brighter future — one Chicago teen at a time.
