Better Together: Reflections from the 2025 Every Hour Counts National Conference
Blog Contributors: Kamiah Hodge, Daniel Hudspeth and Charles Smith, Ph.D., Prime Time Palm Beach County
From May 14–16, the 2025 Every Hour Counts National Conference brought together over 500 youth development leaders, educators, policymakers, funders and young people in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to celebrate the coalition’s 20th anniversary. Themed "Better Together: Lighting the Path Forward," the event marked two decades of collective work to strengthen afterschool and summer programs nationwide.
Hosted at the Marriott City Center, this milestone event included more than 25 interactive sessions across five strategic strands:
- Continuous Improvement Strategies
- Policy and Advocacy
- Intermediary System Building
- Youth Voice Elevation
- Future Innovations
The conference offered workshops, networking receptions, and powerful plenary sessions designed to foster collaboration, build capacity and spark bold ideas for high-quality out-of-school time (OST) systems.
Centering Justice and Innovation
One of the most memorable moments came during the keynote from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who emphasized the urgent need for intersectional leadership and the power of creative problem-solving in uncertain times. His message encouraged attendees to rethink traditional structures and embrace innovation in their approach to supporting youth and communities.
A core highlight of the event was the introduction of the “Putting Data to Work” framework, demonstrating how data can drive continuous improvement and ensure greater accountability and impact across OST systems.
Prime Time Palm Beach County in the Spotlight
Prime Time Palm Beach County proudly participated in the conference through a featured session co-presented by Teal Chance, Kamiah Hodge, Daniel Hudspeth and Charles Smith. The session focused on the design and implementation of a robust data system that supports funder accountability, continuous quality improvement and real-time impact measurement.
“Helping create the Putting Data to Work Framework was a way to advance the field’s vision for meaningful measurement. At Prime Time, I get to see that vision in action every day—where data becomes a tool for equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This session was a chance to show how storytelling with data builds trust, inspires action, and ultimately changes what’s possible for kids and communities.” - Charles Smith, Ph.D., Director of Research, Prime Time Palm Beach County
“It was incredible seeing a national network of community leaders, OST professionals, and advocates come together to expand access to quality OST opportunities,” shared Daniel Hudspeth, Quality Improvement Initiative Manager, Prime Time Palm Beach County , “Our session explored system-level design principles, key metrics from the 'Putting Data to Work' framework and practical strategies for intermediaries developing their own data systems.”
Attendees responded enthusiastically, with feedback ranging from “inspired” to “wowzers” — a testament to the power of authentic dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Youth Leading the Way
A standout session for many was the youth panel discussion, which challenged traditional narratives about leadership and age.
“We were reminded that ‘youth’ doesn’t end at 18,” said Kamiah Hodge, Middle School Professional Development Specialist, Prime Time Palm Beach County.
Young people are leading organizations and reshaping spaces in powerful ways. One panelist captured it best when they said, ‘We don’t need a seat at the table — we are the table.’”
This insight sparked internal conversations among the Prime Time team around how to further empower OST practitioners and youth in the Palm Beach community — not just to participate, but to lead.
Looking Ahead
In addition to thought-provoking sessions, attendees also explored:
- NextUp’s Neighborhood Initiative–Southside, addressing OST deserts through collective impact.
- Strategies to prepare youth for an AI-driven workforce.
- Innovative methods for integrating well-being and life skills into quality improvement systems, led by the Denver Afterschool Alliance.
“The energy, collaboration, and shared commitment to youth success were truly inspiring,” said Daniel Hudspeth. “I’m excited to bring new ideas and strategies back to our community.”
“Presenting with Charles, Daniel, and Teal was an absolute joy,” added Kamiah Hodge. “The conversations were transparent, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. I’d travel with this group any time!”
For more information about the conference and the Every Hour Counts coalition, visit everyhourcountsconference.org.
To take a look back at the Every Hour Counts Conference 2023 co-hosted by Prime Time Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach, watch here:
