For the past 10 years, expectations of afterschool programs have increased, as the public looks to these

Pathways to Success for Youth:What Counts in After-SchoolMassachusetts After-School Research Study (MARS)REPORTIntercultural Center for Research in Education (INCRE)Arlington, MANational Institute on Out-of School Time (NIOST)Wellesley Centers for Women • Wellesley College Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the many individuals and organizations who contributed to the Massachusetts Afterschool Research Study (MARS). The staff of the major funding partner—United Way of Massachusetts Bay—worked hand in hand with us throughout the entire process, from conceptualizing the study to working through the inevitable challenges of carrying out a project of this scope. We would especially like to thank Don Buchholtz, Lisa Pickard, Peg Sprague, Jane Feinberg, and Mary Kay Leonard. In addition, Fran Barrett of the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services and Karyl Resnick of the Massachusetts Department of Education played key roles, providing contacts, context, funding, and feedback, as the need arose. The Nellie Mae Education Foundation provided additional support for the middle school youth survey, which allowed us to include the voices of the participants themselves. We would also like to acknowledge our Advisory Group. The members included Sheri Adlin, Bob Monahan, Jennifer Davis, Maryellen Coffey, Maria M. Del Rio, Adrian Haugabrook, Dishon Mills, Karyl Resnick, Blenda Wilson, Lynn D'Ambrose, Fran Barrett, Eric Buch, Jude ...