Community programs promoting youth development have consisted of programs, such as after-school programs, scouts, religious youth groups, and other community-based activities. These programs have been identified as playing a key role in the lives of adolescents. This executive summary presents an overview of a full report discussing the features of programs that contribute to a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood, examines what is known about youth development programs and how these programs are meeting youth's diverse needs. It examines what is known about the role of youth programs and how to ensure programs are designed to meet adolescents’ developmental needs. The executive summary highlights the report’s conclusions and recommendations covering policy and practice and research, evaluation, and data collection. Regarding policy and practice, one recommendation is presented on promoting adolescent development at the program level and three recommendations are presented pertaining to serving diverse youth at the community level. Research, program evaluation, and social indicator data help improve the design and delivery of programs, thereby playing a significant role in answering questions and improving the success of young people. Seven recommendations are presented focusing on research, evaluation, and data collection. The executive summary describes the goals of the Committee on Community-Level Programs for Youth, stressing the importance of providing support for all youth and the need to understand community programs for young people. An outline of the full report is presented and includes: (1) promoting adolescent development; (2) the role of community programs for youth; (3) evaluation and social indicator data; and (4) intersection of practice, policy, and research.