The Massachusetts Afterschool Research Study (MARS) was designed to help us answer these questions.

• How does participating in an afterschool program affect a child?
• What factors are likely to lead to high-quality programs?
• Which aspects of programs are most likely to result in positive outcomes?

The study focused on afterschool programs serving elementary and middle school youth from ten communities across Massachusetts, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. At the time, it was the largest study of its kind in Massachusetts.