After School Matters Gala Celebrates 35 Years, Raising Nearly $2.7 Million and Counting for Chicago Teens


After School Matters Gala Celebrates 35 Years, Raising Nearly $2.7 Million and Counting for Chicago Teens 

 

More than 500 civic, corporate, and community leaders gathered at the Obama Presidential Center Home Court on September 24 for the After School Matters® Annual Gala, raising nearly $2.7 million and counting to support life-changing opportunities for Chicago teens. The evening marked 35 years of After School Matters meeting the moment and empowering Chicago young people through paid, hands-on programs that help teens explore their passions, develop their talents, and build skills for their futures.

 

The 2026 Gala put teens at the center of the celebration with live performances, interactive showcases, and demonstrations highlighting their creativity and accomplishments. The evening also featured remarks from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and After School Matters CEO Mary Ellen Caron. ABC7 Chicago Anchor, After School Matters Advisory Board member, and alumna Samantha Chatman served as emcee.

 

“For 35 years, After School Matters has recognized that investing in our young people is essential to the future of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Every teen deserves safe spaces, caring mentors and meaningful opportunities to work, learn, create, and discover what’s possible for their futures. I am proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and our continued partnership as we work together to open more doors for young people across our city.”

 

The milestone celebration also recognized the women whose leadership and vision helped shape After School Matters over the past 35 years and that was shared in a video at the Gala. The evening honored the legacy of former Chicago First Lady and After School Matters founder Maggie Daley; Board Chair Emeritus Mellody Hobson, whose leadership helped expand the organization’s reach across Chicago; Karyn Lutz, whose investment helped establish After School Matters’ first flagship teen center, The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters; and CEO Mary Ellen Caron, who has served in that role since 2012 with a continued commitment to expanding opportunities for Chicago youth.

 

“Tonight was a powerful celebration of the After School Matters community that has come together for 35 years to invest in Chicago teens and their limitless potential,” said Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters. “We’re incredibly proud of the hundreds of thousands of young people who have been part of After School Matters over the years, and we’re grateful to everyone who continues to invest their futures. Together, we’re helping empower teens to become the next generation of Chicago leaders.”

 

Since 1991, After School Matters has met the moment for Chicago teens by centering teen voice, removing barriers to participation, and creating after school and summer program opportunities that prepare young people for college, careers, and life. Through programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, teens gain real-world experience, build confidence, and connect with caring adult mentors – all while earning a stipend or a wage.  

 

Today, After School Matters serves nearly 20,000 teens annually across Chicago, providing opportunities that prepare young people for work, college, and life. This summer marked the organization’s largest summer of programming to date, with more than 12,000 teens participating in programs throughout the city.

 

“After School Matters’ legacy and continued impact is a reflection of the extraordinary instructor-mentors, staff, partners, supporters, and – above all – teenagers who have shaped this organization,” said Elzie Higginbottom, Board Chair of After School Matters. “As we celebrate what it means to invest in our city's young people, we are also looking ahead with great excitement and a continued commitment to ensuring that After School Matters is here to support Chicago teens for generations to come.”

 

Throughout the Gala, guests experienced After School Matters programming firsthand. Teens in the FMC program gave a vibrant ballet performance, and the HHW Vocal Ensemble program shared a powerful song that moved the audience.

 

“Programs like HHW helped build my confidence, compassion, and critical-thinking skills. They helped me see possibilities for my future that I might not have seen otherwise,” shared Ryan Dearon, After School Matters Manager of Program Initiatives and HHW Vocal Ensemble alumni.

 

Interactive “Teens in Action” stations during cocktail hour gave guests an up-close look at what teens learn and create in After School Matters programs, with experiences ranging from painting and photography to volleyball and phlebotomy.

 

Guests also had the opportunity to shop TEENMADE, After School Matters’ retail platform showcasing artwork, apparel, and other products created by teens and alumni. All proceeds directly support After School Matters programming. Additional teen-created work is available through the TEENMADE website.

 

The Gala was presented by the After School Matters Board of Directors and Gala Committee, as well as Visionary Sponsors GCM Grosvenor, David Herro and Jay Franke, and the Hobson Lucas Family Foundation.

 

To learn more about After School Matters and opportunities to support Chicago teens, visit afterschoolmatters.org.

 

About After School Matters

After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality after-school and summer opportunities to Chicago public high school teens to explore their passions and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond. After School Matters programs are project-based, led by industry experts, and provide a pathway to progress in skills development and independence. Teens earn a stipend while participating in programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Over 35 years, After School Matters has engaged hundreds of thousands of teens throughout the city of Chicago. www.afterschoolmatters.org   

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