After School Matters celebrates 35 years of changing lives for Chicago teens

After 35 years of helping Chicago teens discover their talents, build confidence and explore new possibilities, After School Matters celebrated its milestone anniversary at its 2026 Gala at the Obama Presidential Center’s Home Court.

Hosted by the organization’s Board of Directors and Gala Committee, the cocktail-style evening brought together business and community leaders who share a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Chicago’s young people. Guests also had the opportunity to experience firsthand the creativity and accomplishments of the teens whose lives are at the heart of the organization’s mission.

The evening featured showcases and performances by After School Matters teens, offering a glimpse into the diverse programs that help young people develop new skills, explore interests and envision brighter futures. Among the featured participants were teens from two Teen Action Lab programs created in partnership with the Obama Presidential Center. They shared stories about being among the first to experience the new space and discussed their summer activities, which ranged from yoga to developing their volleyball and basketball skills.

Founded 35 years ago, After School Matters continues to invest in nearly 20,000 Chicago teens annually through programs designed to meet their evolving needs with agility, compassion and purpose. The impact is evident in the organization’s outcomes: 92 percent of participating teens reported learning new skills, while 89 percent said they were proud of their accomplishments.

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The anniversary celebration also recognized the generous sponsors and supporters whose commitment helps sustain these opportunities. Visionary sponsors included David Herro and Jay Franke. Investor sponsors included the Mansueto Foundation, Martin Nesbitt and Dr. Anita Blanchard, Jessy Pucker and Jacob Bard and Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan.

Champion sponsors included Abbott, Allstate, Ariel Investments, Barry Callebaut USA, Cartier, Chicago Is..., Comer Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Deloitte, Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, Exelon, EY, JPMorganChase, Bob and Roberta Lee, the Malkin Family, Tiffany and Dan Neely, Pritzker Foundation, Related Midwest, and Thomas A. and Georgina T. Russo, among others.

As After School Matters marked 35 years of making a difference, the evening underscored the importance of investing in Chicago's next generation and giving teens the tools, encouragement and opportunities to shape their own futures.

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