Lamplighters Inc. Sets the Standard for Male Mentorship in Escambia County

Pensacola, FL — In a year marked by growth, impact, and historic outcomes, Lamplighters Inc. closed out 2025 with results that continue to set the organization apart as the standard for male mentorship and academic support in Escambia County.

Most notably, Lamplighters achieved 100% graduation for its Class of 2025 seniors, with every participant walking across the stage in May. That momentum continues with the Class of 2026, where 100% of seniors are currently on track to graduate, each supported with mentoring, academic accountability, and clear postsecondary planning.

Lamplighters Class of 20226

Throughout the year, Lamplighters delivered a full slate of high-impact programming designed to support young men academically, socially, and personally. More than 20 Programming Days were held across the calendar year, addressing topics such as leadership development, mental wellness, college and career readiness, financial literacy, and character building. These sessions were paired with consistent academic tutoring, mentor check-ins, and targeted outreach to ensure students remained engaged and supported.

Flagship events further amplified the program’s reach and visibility. Lamplighters hosted its annual Youth Conference, bringing together young men, mentors, and community leaders for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. The organization also expanded its footprint through GCODE, a high-energy event focused on empowerment, culture, and community engagement that drew participants from across the region.

Beyond events, Lamplighters continued to strengthen its presence in the community through service projects, family engagement activities, and intentional expansion of its mentorship model. Looking ahead to 2026, the organization plans to open select offerings to the broader community, including academic tutoring on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month and Wisdom Wednesdays, a weekly after-school enrichment opportunity designed to support students consistently throughout the school year.

Lamplighters is also building strategic partnerships to deepen its impact. Collaborations currently in development include partnerships with the Chappie James Flight Academy, expanding exposure to aviation and STEM pathways, and 100 Black Men, strengthening mentorship and leadership pipelines for young men across Northwest Florida.

Executive Director Bryan Freeman reflected on the year’s achievements and the organization’s growing influence:

“I am pleased with the impact Lamplighters has had on Pensacola this year. As the second largest chapter in the nation and with ten straight years of uninterrupted service to the Pensacola community, we are grateful to be the standard for youth mentorship and academic support for Northwest Florida. Results are second to none.”

As Lamplighters looks ahead, the organization is preparing for one of its most anticipated weekends of the year. Village Weekend, scheduled for March 13–14, will feature FAM Fest and the launch of an all-new community event that promises to be unforgettable, bringing families, partners, and supporters together to celebrate youth, culture, and community.

Lamplighters’ free programming has been funded through the Escambia Children’s Trust for the past three years, allowing services to be offered at no cost to families while delivering consistent, positive results. Over this period, the program has grown from serving 25 members to supporting more than 125 youth, while meeting or exceeding key outcomes each year. Participants have shown strong progress in graduation readiness, character and leadership development, and the program has consistently received high satisfaction ratings from parents and guardians. This sustained growth and impact reflect Lamplighters’ commitment to accountability, quality programming, and meaningful support for young men and families in the community.

With a decade of consistent service, record-setting graduation outcomes, and expanding opportunities for young men and families, Lamplighters Inc. continues to define what effective, community-rooted mentorship looks like in Escambia County—and beyond. Parents who are interested in participating in our free programming can complete the application below: https://forms.gle/5gLp8dW6D4ogbfvZA