Basic quality-of-life indicators including employment, access to health care, and involvement with the criminal justice system paint a grim picture for the lives of urban Black males; thus, it is increasingly important to identify prevention and intervention strategies that can improve outcomes for this group. After-school programs have been suggested as a promising strategy that can increase the social and academic wellness of young urban Black males. In this review of the literature, the author highlights the importance of after-school programs for this group. Effective types of after-school programs are also examined, and the core elements that drive the effectiveness of these programs are delineated. (Contains 1 table.)