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Talent+Creativity+Energy=Teenagers

By October 11, 2010No Comments

By Hye Joo
New Organizing Project blogger
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Many teenagers nowadays have a hard time looking for jobs. This could be because they are not old enough to be hired by the place they want to apply for, they do not have the skill sets required by their desired workplace, businesses only like to hire full time students or simply because the unemployment rate is not improving at a constant rate, competition for jobs is high and young students are pushed out from the labor force.

So for this blog post, I wanted to introduce a popular citywide program in Chicago offered by After School Matters (ASM). They have opportunities for young people to gain neat skills in nurturing environments and receive a stipend as well.

ASM is a non-profit organization that offers Chicago high school teens innovative out-of-school activities through programs of popular subjects such as science, sports, technology, English and the nationally recognized art program called Gallery37.  ASM provides these programs through a network of public and private partnerships that include the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organizations throughout the city. They have been recognized nationally for their innovative approach in coordinating city resources and delivering unique programs. Their hands-on, project-based programs expose teens to rewarding careers and help them develop marketable job skills.

ASM’s vision is to make Chicago teens believe they have a future. Their mission is to create a network of out-of-school opportunities, including apprenticeship and drop-in programs for teens in underserved communities. They achieve their mission by:

1. Aligning and maximizing neighborhood physical and programmatic resources;
2. Solidifying partnerships between citywide agencies and organizations;
3. Mobilizing creative, coordinated, and sustainable investments in teens.

KRCC is also one location where ASM classes are held. Students who apply for ASM in KRCC get involved in learning Korean culture and poongmul, which is Korean traditional drumming.

I really think this is a great opportunity for students who want to spend about three extra hours learning about Korean culture instead of sitting home bored. So if you’re one of those students out there or are a parent of a student living in Chicago, why not apply for ASM today?

Source: afterschoolmatters.org

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