Via Chicago Department of Children & Youth Services

From Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron:

I am pleased to announce the launch of the new After-School Chicago website, where young Chicagoans and their families can learn about and choose from thousands of different after-school programs throughout the City.

After-School Chicago (www.afterschoolchicago.org) is one of the most comprehensive interactive Web sites of its kind in the nation.  It will include a diverse variety of afternoon, evening and weekend program options for ages 6 and older that span organizations including the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, Chicago Public Schools, After School Matters, the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Libraries.

The Web site's wide range of activities will let users navigate with ease more than 380,000 annual after-school opportunities, to discover new interests or pursue activities such as sports, art or music. It
allows families to explore and access quality programs that best suit their child's needs and support their healthy development.

Users simply input their address or ZIP Code and choose from eight program interest areas, including: academic, career, creative, health, life skills, religious, community and sports.  Search results are
plotted for them on an interactive map with a brief description of each offering, including information about dates and times, related fees if applicable and the age range for activities.  The search results also include CTA routes for reference.