After-school programs (ASPs) are learning centers that provide enrichment opportunities after regular school hours. This article examines the value these programs can add to a child's educational day, especially for urban youth who are vulnerable during after-school hours. Quality ASPs can be part of the solution to help mitigate the effects of the negative influences on students' education in urban schools. In this article, the authors provide a historical perspective of after-school programs and discuss the benefits of such programs.