Afterschool programming has emerged as one of the Nation’s top priorities, igniting policymakers who have increased funding to these programs dramatically over the past 5 years. This funding was well placed; research has shown that much of the risky behavior of youth, such as drug and alcohol use and juvenile crime, occurs during the afterschool hours. The common misconceptions about after school programming are discussed, followed by an examination of the components of effective afterschool programming, which include a focus on youth development and cultural enrichment as well as academic achievement. The benefits of afterschool programming are enumerated and a cost benefit analysis of afterschool programming in California is reviewed. The success of afterschool programs has led to a proliferation of this type of programming, leading to three key policy issues related to the coordination and oversight of afterschool programs: (1) the need for comprehensive statewide policies; (2) common quality standards and evaluation measures; and (3) sustainable funding. The report closes with an exploration of the skills that will be important for the 21st century and calls on afterschool programming to work toward infusing youth with these critical skills. Tables, references