The need for afterschool programs is clear: Research and practice demonstrate that quality afterschool programs keep youth safe; support working families; and provide critical learning, personal development, arts, and recreational opportunities. New York State alone uses nearly $300 million in local, state, and federal funds for afterschool programs; it delivers public funds to organizations using a wide array of program models that serve many different populations (New York State Afterschool Network [NYSAN], 2008). The diversity of the afterschool field allows young people to have valuable, varied experiences. Still, the field must articulate common elements that all programs should incorporate into their work in order to maximize positive outcomes for youth. This article follows NYSAN's journey from developing the first iteration of the framework through implementing complex strategies to promote quality throughout the state and suggests ways in which this framework can be useful to afterschool practitioners, technical assistance professionals, intermediaries, and policymakers nationwide.