This study was an action research analysis of a competitive, after-school robotics program in the Woodland Hills School District. A longitudinal quantitative analysis was used to measure the effects of the after-school program on academic achievement and student engagement in school. Grade Point Average was measured before the program began and after the conclusion of the program. NWEA MAP Growth scores and attendance were also used as the metrics to be explored. Overall, the program was found to increase academic achievement for participants of the after-school program when compared to a non-participating, randomized, control group of their peers. Attendance rates were also notably higher for members of the participant group in comparison to the control group. The research analyzed the effects of the after-school program on female participants as well to determine any differences based on gender. In general, though there were statistically significant outcomes for GPA that were equivalent to the overall comparisons, the female participants did not experience any other significant effects. Implications of these results, particularly the need for expansion of similar programming throughout the district, and the potential for creating single-sex programs, are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]