Afterschool presents in a variety of forms across the globe. This developmental time, variously referred to as afterschool, out-of-school-time, or free time, can range from workforce preparation for twenty-year-olds in South Africa to safe spaces and healthy activities for eight-year-olds in New Zealand.

The global contributors to this issue share knowledge and commitment to effective afterschool efforts. They focus on meaningful youth participation in a wide variety of venues and settings. Building global citizens, giving youth an economic edge, and combining self-interest and learning are some of the underlying outcomes described throughout this volume. It draws out lessons learned across cultural and geographical borders and addresses significant policies and quality standards.

This is the 116th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Youth Development, sponsored by the National AfterSchool Association.