This study examined the associations between the use of after-school care arrangements and adolescent competencies in 60 young Canadian adolescents. Findings revealed that, compared to those not participating, early adolescents participating in after-school care between 5 and 13 years obtained higher academic and social competency scores based on standardized and teacher measures, even after controlling for household income, parents' marital status, and maternal educational attainment. (Author/KB)