Momentum Program
Imagine, Inspire, Impact
The Momentum Program provides first-generation and Pell-eligible students with resources and support to ease the college transition process. Momentum students at Elizabethtown College go on to attain academic success, personal goal achievement, campus leadership positions, internships, admission to graduate school, and pathways to fulfilling careers.
The Momentum Program works with students throughout their first year at Etown to build a community of support, attain academic success, and set and achieve personal and professional goals. Momentum supports students in navigating the unknowns of college life through one-on-one mentor interactions, connections to campus resources, and time dedicated to building a community of support.
Momentum is a voluntary, no-cost program. Invitations are extended each spring to incoming first-year students who are first-generation or Pell-eligible. Momentum is open to both residential and commuter students.
How Does Momentum Work?
Each Momentum student is paired with a Kinesis peer mentor, who was once a first-year Momentum student themselves. Kinesis mentors help students develop academic, social, and personal goals for their college experience and offer weekly checkins to support them in achieving their goals. Kineses answer student questions and assist students in navigating college life.
When asked what they found most valuable or beneficial about meeting with their Kinesis peer mentors, 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."
- "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."
Kinesis Peer Mentors
The energy that drives momentum is known as kinesis, which is why the upper-class student leaders and mentors of The Momentum Program are called Kinesis—they help set things in motion from the moment students arrive on campus. Before fall orientation, incoming Momentum students move in early to participate in academic and personal development workshops, all while being guided by their Kinesis mentors.
Throughout the entire first year and into their sophomore year, students have regular, close contact with their Kinesis, who provide ongoing support in the transition from high school to college and from the first-year experience to the second. During the fall and spring semesters, Kinesis mentors help students navigate challenges, find solutions, and offer general support, with continued engagement into their sophomore year for those who seek it.
