Since 1998, the number of State and federally funded after-school programs in California has expanded dramatically through funding increases in the State's After School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnership Program and the Federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. California now leads the Nation in creating and supporting after-school programs for children and youth. This report describes how these after-school programs benefit children, youth, and communities in many ways such as reduced crime, increased academic achievement, and less truancy as young people realize the support they need to grow up and be productive, contributing members of their community. California has moved quickly in recent years meeting the challenge of funding and providing after-school programs to all students. Investments in after-school programs, especially for the children most at risk of sliding into delinquency or becoming victims of crime, pay for themselves, not only in lives saved but also in dollars saved. Despite overwhelming evidence that after-school programs reduce crime and improve academic achievement, there is a critical shortage of affordable after-school programs. Many families cannot afford the added expense of after-school activities. California and federally funded after-school programs provide access at low or no cost, targeting at-risk populations. This continued success will require building increased capacity at the State, school, and community levels to provide the support, training, and technical assistance needed to create and sustain quality programs. Rigorous research, years of experience, and common sense compel this verdict that quality after-school programs are among the most powerful weapons against crime. Providing after-school programs to all students is a long-term commitment with a great deal of promise. Figures, appendixes, endnotes