Every Hour Counts
A National Network of Communities Dedicated to Expanded Learning, Equity, & Making Learning Fun
Help get us to SXSW EDU!
At a time when education systems must evolve to meet growing global challenges, we believe arts, culture, and community-driven collaboration can spark the transformation our young people deserve.
That’s why Every Hour Counts, in collaboration with Itaú Foundation, is excited to share that our panel, Reimagining Education with Arts, Culture & Global Data, is in the running for SXSW EDU 2026. Now through August 24, your vote can help bring this conversation to a national stage.
20 Years of Every Hour Counts
This year, Every Hour Counts celebrates a milestone: 20 years of building stronger, more equitable learning systems—together. From a bold idea in 2005 to a thriving national movement of 40 communities today, our journey has been defined by collaboration, courage, and connection.
Now, we’re excited to share our story through a new animated video that honors the people, partnerships, and purpose behind this movement.
Youth in Save the Bay's "buoyancy lab" program offered through the Providence After School Alliance's citywide summer learning system race boats that they designed and built.
80% of young people’s waking hours are spent out of school. Young people’s futures are shaped by how this time is spent. From sports to STEM, youth organizing to paid internships, research shows that these experiences are essential for young people’s self-discovery, sense of belonging, social development, and intellectual achievement.
But many young people – those who could benefit the most – lack access to these experiences. Funding is inadequate, programs are fragmented, and quality varies. The resulting patchwork means there are large disparities in participation and resources are wasted.
In communities across the country, leaders are expanding their idea of when, where, and how young people learn and grow. They are recognizing that young people need more than traditional academics to thrive.
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Youth as co-designers of solutions to issues impacting their communities!
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