Ribbon Cutting Celebrates After School Matters’ New Facility at 1065 N. Orleans
After School Matters (ASM) welcomed students, families, mentors, and community leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new facility at
1065 N. Orleans in the Cabrini Green community on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The event highlighted ASM’s mission to provide Chicago teens with high-quality, paid after-school and summer opportunities that build skills, confidence, and career pathways.
The new facility expands ASM’s capacity to offer hands-on programs in the arts, communications, leadership, sports, and STEM, featuring culinary, dance, black box theatre, carpentry, and music spaces designed to support mentoring, portfolio development, and real-world learning for thousands of teens annually.
A Citywide Celebration
The ribbon cutting drew a large crowd of community members, ASM supporters, and local officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who gathered to celebrate this important milestone for youth development in the city. Guests toured the new facility and spoke with students and instructors about the programs that will take place inside.
“We were honored to lead the design process for this remarkable facility, working closely with After School Matters staff and teens to create spaces that reflect their creativity, purpose, and community spirit,” said Walt Eckenhoff, FAIA, Founding Principal of Eckenhoff Saunders. “Their input shaped every aspect of the design, from the flexibility of the studios to the energy and openness of the gathering spaces.”
Facility Highlights
- Flexible studios and collaboration spaces designed for project-based learning
- Areas for college and career mentoring, tutoring, and workshops
- Community gathering space for showcases, performances, and exhibitions
- Improved transit access to serve teens from neighborhoods across the city
Community Impact
By combining dedicated teaching environments with flexible gathering areas, the 1065 N. Orleans facility strengthens ASM’s role as a citywide hub for teen creativity and workforce readiness. The center will support showcases, performances, and exhibitions that invite families and neighbors to celebrate student achievements.
About After School Matters
After School Matters is a nonprofit that provides Chicago high school teens with after-school and summer programs that foster skills, develop confidence, and open doors to academic and career success.