Bench Mark Program

05/28/2026

We have some big Bench Mark news to share with our community and supporters.

We’re entering an exciting season of growth, transition, and expanded opportunity for the students we serve and we can’t wait to tell you more.

Watch the video to hear the full story.

We are excited to announce an exciting transition in leadership at ...

04/16/2026

I'm thrilled to announce that the Bench Mark Program will receive $499,000 in grant funding to expand its after-school mentoring program for youth in Lancaster City!

https://www.pahouse.com/Smith-Wade-El/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=143207

03/17/2026

Boxing Coaches Junior and Luke from the Bench Mark Boxing Program have three fighters advancing to the final round of the Central PA 2026 Golden Gloves Tournament on March 28.

Bench Mark already has two Central PA Golden Gloves Champions: Josiah De Jesus (15, 125 division) and Angel Ortiz (17, youth division, 132 lbs).
In 2025, three out of five Eastern District PA Golden Gloves Champions from Lancaster, PA were from the Bench Mark Program.

We’d appreciate the community coming out to support our fighters on March 28.

🥊Competing fighters:
Anaken Ferrer
Alfred Ferrer
Jason Lehman

03/13/2026

The School District of Lancaster and the City of Lancaster are developing a Youth Violence Prevention Plan, and your input is essential!

If you live or work in Lancaster City, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback will help shape strategies that support young people and build safer, healthier neighborhoods.

The survey is quick and anonymous. Enter your email at the end for a chance to win a $25 gift card (emails are kept separately from responses to remain anonymous).

Take the survey at https://engage.cityoflancasterpa.gov/en/projects/youth-violence-prev

Thank you for helping shape a safer future for Lancaster’s youth!

02/12/2026

Show Bench Mark some love! ❤️
This Valentine’s Day we’re celebrating 12 years of mentorship, growth and community. We’re asking you to join us in celebration by honoring our past and investing in our future by becoming a monthly supporter.

Just $10 a month for one year provides one full night of meals for every student at Open Gym.

Join us in keeping our students fed, supported, and thriving.

Head to the link in our bio to make a donation today 🎉♥️

02/07/2026

Huge shoutout to our amazing students and staff who braved the weather this morning to keep our streets clean! Every Saturday, this dedicated group heads into our neighborhoods to pick up trash and keep our neighborhoods cared for!

01/21/2026

We're hiring! We are looking for a Program Director to join the Bench Mark team and oversee program operations as well as be a member of our Leadership Team. To learn more or to apply visit www.benchmarkprogram.org/program-director-job

01/07/2026

Huge thank you to Matt Lane of House of Gains, who recently launched the MuscleTown USA Foundation in York, PA. Matt created this foundation to honor the legacy of Bob Hoffman, founder of York Barbell, whose mission of making weightlifting free and accessible to youth strongly aligns with ours.

We’re extremely grateful that MuscleTown USA donated $5,000 to Bench Mark to support the purchase of new vehicles to help transport our students to and from the gym. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our youth! 💪🏽

12/23/2025

12/09/2025

Tis the season: Christmas Tree Lane is back at Penn Medicine Park. This year you have THREE opportunities to vote for your favorite Bench Mark tree! Thanks to our sponsors Simeral Construction Company, The Restaurant Store and GEMs Catering LLC for using their holiday cheer to support Bench Mark! Just $2 per vote and votes can be made in person or online at https://christmas-tree-lane-voting.square.site/