A growing body of research helps identify the dropout risk factors and the students who are likely to drop out. Afterschool programs are a proven intervention strategy to address these risk factors and provide the necessary supports to students who are struggling. Studies, both qualitative and quantitative, demonstrate the ability of afterschool programs to help stem the tide of dropouts. This brief offers evidence of afterschool programs' effectiveness in addressing the dropout issue and makes the case for greater investment in afterschool programs. (author abstract)