A Tidal Wave of Collaboration:
Every Hour Counts National Conference 

Let's Make Waves! The Every Hour Counts National Conference inspired and energized community leaders from across the nation, held in-person for the first time since 2019! More than 250 people from 40+ communities, many in teams of five or more – joined together to share their stories, unpack their lessons, and commit to collectively develop equitable opportunities for youth. 

There was dancing, drums, and dedication to the work. Our local host organization, Prime Time Palm Beach County, offered insights on their unique approach to providing professional development and quality systems. Each person left with connections and new strategies. 
Youth Centered, Youth Powered
Like waves, young people have powered big movements and created disturbances to the status quo. In this session, we were reminded that youth have voice and power and need support to use it.
Speakers (L to R): Hikma Sherka (Every Hour Counts), Antonia L.(Prime Time), Anton Spalding (Prime Time), Marco L.(Young Voices, Providence), Itzel R. (Nashville After Zone Alliance), Marcus Pope (Youthprise). Credit for all photos: Shine TV
The Every Hour Counts communities are increasingly and unapologetically now driving the work in partnership with youth. The conference featured deep conversations on power sharing between adults and youth and together committing to what’s possible, not what’s impossible. Youth spoke throughout the meeting about how profound it is to be handed the microphone, to share their lived experiences, and to see their ideas acted on. Adults who co-design with youth as leaders shared the essentials to create space with mutual respect, lots of food, fun, and importantly, transparency of funding.
Youth leaders from Seeds of Peace (Tacoma, WA), Young Voices (Providence, RI), and Nashville After Zone Alliance show us the love.

From Partners to Co-Conspirators
Alandra Chuney Jackson, Youth Development Resource Center, Detroit, presents in the session, "Equity and Advocacy: Moving BIPOC Leaders from Surviving to Thriving."
In more than 20 workshops, leaders shared their strategies, tools, and resources for creating systems-wide solutions for young people to access learning and supports. Speakers were candid about lessons learned and the challenges of collaboration and the intermediary role. Participants left with connections and knowledge on using data, program quality, professional development systems, policy development, and resources on STEM and SEL.

Equity is deeply embedded in the work of the Every Hour Counts communities and was reflected throughout the conference. Participants questioned how decisions are made and resources allocated to ensure that youth have the opportunities and support they need when they need it, and they have a voice in defining it. In the session on Youth Development Resource Center's Equity Accelerator for Youth Development, one participant summed up the spirit of the conference: “I don’t need allies as much as co-conspirators.”
Building for Generations
The Every Hour Counts conference was engaging and hands-on. From the first moments, participants joined in community, sharing their “why” and aspirations for the work.
Pictured: Fahren Johnson, Schools Out Washington and youth leaders from Seeds of Peace in Tacoma.
This is an established movement, creating opportunities and supports for young people. Building on a strong foundation, the conference participants were designing a new iteration of strategies and collaborations, taking the work further and faster. Gigi Antoni, Director of Learning and Enrichment at The Wallace Foundation likened it to building a cathedral. She shared that each generation builds a part of a great monument, sometimes never seeing the completed structure, but contributing their unique skills in the time when they are called to build.
Participants noted the work is hard, but with support from the Every Hour Counts network they have tested strategies to build systems that will make a difference for youth far into the future. Shital Shah, Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Education applauded the hard work in the room and asked people to share bright spots and get creative in “braiding and blending funds.”
Shital Shah, US ED; Chris Smith, Boston Beyond; Gigi Antoni, Wallace Foundation; Jessica Donner, Every Hour Counts
Making Waves

Jessica Donner, Executive Director of Every Hour Counts, reminded us that "we're here to make waves of our own. We came out of the worst of the pandemic with no intention of returning to the status quo. When we bring all that energy and innovation together, we can form a tidal wave."

Community leaders declared their commitment to how they are making waves in their communities.

  • Alexandria, VA: Establishing an OST network with a cross-sector approach involving more than 80 organizations.
  • Palm Beach County, FL: Providing professional development including social-emotional learning practices and opening up conversations between youth, providers, and practitioners to connect and support each other.
  • Houston, TX: Launching a digital badging initiative for older youth­ and funding nonprofits to work in OST summer.
  • Madison, WI: Developing a living wage initiative to secure funds to raise our wages and pay all our staff at least $20 per hour.
  • Tacoma, WA: Creating summer programming in partnership with Tacoma Housing Authority.
  • Washington, DC: Taking a step back as adults in the space, and giving the space for youth advocates to create community with each other without an adult agenda.


Just like the afterschool and summer programs we care so much about, we didn't just learn, we also had fun! The conference was a celebration of our resilience, commitment to our communities, and our connection to each other.

For more information on the conference, check out our recent blog post.

Thank you to The Wallace Foundation for making this conference possible.

Thank you to everyone who made this conference a huge success filled with learning and community. It sure was wonderful to be able to hug each other again!
Every Hour Counts is a coalition of citywide organizations that increases access to quality learning opportunities, particularly for underserved students. The organization is a leading voice promoting out-of-school time systems, which provide learning and enrichment through after-school, summer, and other initiatives. Out-of-school time systems help students be more connected to school, build self-confidence, and connect with caring adults, so every student can thrive.

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