The benefits of meeting the program's objectives should _________ the costs of implementation.

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the benefits derived from achieving the program's objectives significantly outweigh the costs associated with implementing the program. This principle is crucial in program planning and evaluation, as it justifies the investment of resources into fire and life safety initiatives. When the benefits exceed the costs, it demonstrates a positive return on investment, enhancing the program's sustainability and effectiveness.

In the context of fire and life safety education, the benefits could include improved community safety, reduced incident rates, and heightened awareness about fire hazards, all of which contribute to saving lives and property. By ensuring that these benefits exceed the costs incurred, stakeholders can better support funding and resources for effective program development and continuation.

Other choices do not carry the same assurance of value realization. If the benefits merely equal the costs, there is no compelling reason to justify the program. Delaying costs doesn't directly relate to the benefits discussion, and minimizing costs may lead to compromised program quality, potentially undermining the very objectives aimed to be achieved. Thus, the focus on having benefits exceed costs underlines a foundational principle in justifying and evaluating program effectiveness.