Book excerpt: Afterschool programs provide myriad benefits to all who participate, but the lion's share of programs are geared toward younger children. According to a recent survey, 6.5 million children in the U.S. are in afterschool programs, and just 8 percent are in grades 9-12. However, there are 2.3 million high schoolers who would participate if programs were available. In spite of the autonomy that typically comes with age, teens still need guidance and adult supervision to help keep them safe, in school and on the path to success in life. Results of a study of high risk teens from an urban school district are presented, and strategies for reaching out to older teens who often have adult responsibilities are also provided. This issue brief highlights the following findings: (1) Teens need guidance to stay on the path to productive adulthood; (2) Teens need additional help preparing for college and the workforce; and (3) Reaching out to teens can be a challenge. This report concludes by saying that perhaps the most important aspect of creating an afterschool program for older teens is simply listening to the young people they aim to serve. (Includes 12 endnotes.).