In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress made a once-in-a-generation investment in afterschool and summer learning programs with the potential to provide supports and opportunities for children and youth across America. At the same time, after 2 decades of development, networks in all 50 states were poised to advise and support the investment in innovative quality programs. This thought leader piece explores impact of the statewide after-school networks, funded in part by the Charles Stewart Mott foundation, and how they increase access for millions of children and youth in quality afterschool and summer learning programs. The piece makes the case for increased recognition of the role of statewide after-school networks and increased collaboration between network leaders and researchers interested in positive youth development.