In the School District of Lancaster, we know that what happens after the final bell can be just as important as what happens during the school day.
That is why the recent announcement from representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El, awarding nearly $500,000 to expand the Bench Mark Program, represents something much larger than a funding increase. It’s an investment in the systems of support that help students stay connected to their education when they need it most.
The Bench Mark Program has long been a trusted partner in Lancaster, working directly with students who are navigating challenges that extend beyond the classroom. Through mentorship, daily check-ins, and skill-building, the program meets young people where they are and helps guide them toward where they can go. This expansion will allow that work to reach more students at a critical moment, particularly those experiencing or at risk of chronic absenteeism.
In our district, we understand that attendance is not just a number. It’s a signal. Missing just two days a month can place a student on a path toward disengagement, making early intervention essential to long-term success.
This is where partnerships like Bench Mark matter most. By aligning mentorship with school-based supports, this work strengthens the connection between students and their learning environment. It reinforces the idea that students are not navigating challenges alone. They are supported by a network of educators, mentors, families, and community partners who are invested in their success.
This expansion also reflects a shared commitment to one of the core priorities outlined in our strategic plan. Building a culture where students feel supported, connected, and valued is essential to improving attendance, reducing barriers, and creating the conditions where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The addition of prevention mentors and attendance intervention specialists will deepen that work. It ensures that support is not reactive, but proactive. It creates space for consistent relationships, for guidance, and for the kind of encouragement that can shift a student’s trajectory.
We are grateful to Representative Smith-Wade-El, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and the Bench Mark team for recognizing what our students need and stepping forward to meet that need. As a community, we continue to build a system where every student has access to opportunity, support, and a path forward that feels possible.