Alternative Schools Network

02/18/2026

02/13/2026

America – and especially Cook County – has a youth joblessness crisis, according to a new study from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Great Cities Institute. The report says too many young people in Cook County are neither working nor in school.

Say More talks with study author Matthew Wilson, economic development planner at the Great Cities Institute, and asks listeners about their first jobs and the lessons they learned from their early days of work.

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Great Cities Institute says youth joblessness is a ‘normalized crisis.’ Say More explores why.

02/11/2026

Illinois, Chicago and Cook County rank among the worst for youth joblessness in the US, in a new report by the Great Cities Institute, commissioned by ASN.

An $80M investment from Illinois can finally fund our future.

12/03/2025

11/11/2025

PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY:
Alternative Schools Network intends to submit three applications to the Illinois State Board of Education to provide 21st Century Community Learning Center activities, which will include out-of-school time services for students (before and after school, weekends, and summer programming), as well as family engagement activities, at 12 locations in Chicago. The program is designed to improve student outcomes such as staying on track for graduation, improved academic performance, improved attendance, in-school behavior, and improved physical and mental wellness.

As part of this program, ASN will be developing new partnerships to bring resources to the student and their families that we serve.

Inquiries regarding the application can be directed to Michael Hannan at [email protected].

11/05/2025

Now it's time for the Young Women's Empowerment Summit! Join us on November 12th for She Leads: Voices of the Next Generation. Register for the summit here - https://www.asnchicago.org/youngwomenssummit

11/03/2025

Catch the Livestream of the Men: Voices of Change Empowerment Summit on November 5th at https://www.asnchicago.org/youngmenssummit

10/29/2025

Join us on November 5th at the Men: Voices of Change Empowerment Summit! Register for the event here - https://www.asnchicago.org/youngmenssummit

Need more info? Send us an email to [email protected].

01/23/2025

In tribute to the passing of ASA's founder:

12/17/2024

As we look back on the past year, we want to recognize the great work accomplished with the help of our staff, partners and community. Happy Holidays, Everyone!