About the Momentum Program
Momentum introduces students to the liberal arts curriculum of Elizabethtown College and prepares them for their college experience. Through an examination of a wide variety of academic disciplines students learn how to navigate through curriculum requirements, think critically, develop research and writing skills, engage in creative expression and find a balance between academic responsibilities and co-curricular involvement. This is an opportunity for students to consider their gifts, talents, strengths and what they can contribute to campus life. The curriculum has a global emphasis, academic sessions and student development workshops focus on multiculturalism. Momentum creates a forum where people of diverse backgrounds establish friendships lasting beyond the collegiate experience.
The program is called Momentum because the purpose is to help students build momentum toward their experience with fall orientation and college life. The program establishes a momentum students will maintain throughout their time at Elizabethtown College. Momentum is designed to prepare students for college, assisting them in an effort to get the most from their education, and become an integral part of the community. The Momentum program is a stimulus for students to become energized about Elizabethtown College and help them maintain this energy, motion, activity throughout their college experience.
How Does Momentum Work?
Each Momentum student is paired with a Kinesis peer mentor – a sophomore, junior, or senior who has also participated in the Momentum Program – for weekly meetings throughout the academic year. When asked what they found most valuable or beneficial about meeting with their Kinesis, Class of 2027 Momentum students shared the following:
- Really helped me feel like I was not alone and provided a welcoming environment. I always feel like I have somebody there for me throughout the semester.
- Learning how valuable tutoring is and that figuring out the best way to study is really important
- My Kinesis talked me through the process of changing my declared major and helped me come up with a list of exactly who to talk to and how to get it done in a timely manner.
- Being able to talk through my course selection process and how that all works.
- Staying organized with my school and social life balance.
- Helping me navigate balancing home life and college life.
- My Kinesis helped me learn ways to get myself motivated for projects and presentations.
- My Kinesis showed me studying ideas so I can be more consistent with my daily scheduling.
- Being able to talk to someone who has been in my shoes before, and give informative information about campus and the resources Etown provides.
- I’m glad that I have someone to talk to every week that I can trust.
Momentum is a free program open to any incoming first-year student who is first-generation and/or Pell Grant-eligible. Applications for the program open in the spring of each year and participation in the program is confirmed in May.
Kinesis Peer Academic Advisors
The energy which establishes a momentum is a kinesis and thus the upper-class student leaders and mentors of The Momentum Program are called Kinesis because they get the momentum started from the first moment on campus. Days prior to fall orientation, incoming Momentum students arrive to live on campus, attend academic and personal development workshops, while being accompanied by the Kinesis. During the student's entire first year and sophomore year, they have close contact with Kinesis, meeting on a regular basis to provide added support in the transition from high school to college and from the first to the second year experience. Additionally, students in the Momentum program meet with their assigned Kinesis throughout the fall and spring semesters of their first year and optionally in their sophomore year. The Kinesis work with students resolving problems, finding solutions, and offering general support.