Momentum Coding Academy student present their project during the end-of-program showcase at Cargas on Aug. 7.
Elizabethtown College’s nationally recognized School of Engineering and Computer Science continued to ignite local high school students’ interest in STEM by hosting the host the annual Momentum Summer Coding Academy. In collaboration with the Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA) and Cargas, the academy provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to hone their computer programming skills and network with peers and industry professionals.
The six-week intensive program culminated in an end-of-program showcase on Aug. 7, at Lancaster-based software company Cargas. View photos.
“Programs like the Momentum Coding Academy are important because they help students discover possibilities they may not have previously imagined for themselves,” Elizabethtown College Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and Professor of Engineering Sara Atwood said. “We are grateful to the Lancaster STEM Alliance and Cargas for their partnership and investment in developing the future STEM workforce. Their collaboration helps create meaningful opportunities for students while strengthening the educational and industry connections that benefit our entire region.”
Students in grades 11-12 (rising) from 13 Lancaster County high schools (Cocalico, Conestoga Valley, Donegal, Garden Spot, Hempfield, Lancaster Catholic, Lancaster Country Day, Lampeter Strasburg, Manheim Township, McCaskey, Octorara, Penn Manor, and Salanco) took part in the program, more than doubling the number of participating schools from the previous year’s cohort. Participants were engaged with technical challenges and gained crucial professional skills aimed at career readiness.
Coding Academy students earned college credit for their participation, as well as received a laptop, breakfast and lunch, and a stipend. Participants were exposed to numerous career pathways, encouraging exploration of education paths beyond the traditional four-year college route. Weekly lunches with Cargas employees and visits from current Etown students provided participants with valuable networking opportunities.
The program curriculum includes JavaScript, database design and management, game development, web development, and cybersecurity.
Since its launch in 2024 through a Steinman Foundation grant as part of the Principal Partnership Program of the LCSA, the Academy has engaged 87 students, with 100% of participants successfully completing the course and earning college credits.
