Despite the negative image of many adolescents and the perception that they are more influenced by peers than by adults, research consistently finds that most adolescents value positive relationships with parents, teachers, and other adults. Research also shows that adolescents who have positive relationships with caring adults are more likely to thrive and are less likely to engage in negative behaviors than are adolescents who lack such relationships in their lives. Out-of-school time activities with unpaid volunteers can be a cost-effective way to create such positive relationships. Programs need to recognize older adults as a large pool of potential volunteers who can be mentors, tutors, or coaches. Americans in the baby boom generation and older also need to be encouraged to volunteer to work with disadvantaged children and youth. This research brief examines how many baby boomers could potentially volunteer in programs serving at-risk children and youth and how large the need is for volunteers. (Contains 7 endnotes.)