Elizabethtown College’s nationally recognized School of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with the Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA) and Cargas, ignited local high school students’ interest in computer programming by hosting the annual six-week Momentum Summer Coding Academy.

The six-week Momentum Summer Coding Academy concluded with an end-of-program showcase on Aug. 8, at the software company Cargas in Lancaster.

The program engaged Lancaster County students in grades 11-12 (rising) from six local high schools (Conestoga Valley, Donegal, Hempfield, Manheim Township, McCaskey, and Penn Manor) to gain crucial professional skills, along with career exploration, ensuring students are well-equipped for future education and career opportunities.

“Elizabethtown College was thrilled to once again partner with the Lancaster County STEM Alliance and Cargas to create engaging, impactful learning opportunities that reinforce our shared commitment to uplift our community by ensuring Lancaster County’s high school students are well-equipped for future education and career opportunities that will meet the needs of our regional workforce,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said.

Momentum Coding Academy students displayed their projects during the end-of-program showcase on Aug. 8, at Cargas.

Coding Academy students earned college credit for completing the program along with a laptop, breakfast and lunch, and a stipend. Participants were also exposed to valuable networking and mentorship opportunities, which included weekly lunches with Cargas employees, as well as engaging with current Etown students.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Elizabethtown College and the Lancaster County STEM Alliance to inspire the next generation of tech leaders right here in our community,” Nate Scott, President and CEO of Cargas said. “We are honored to host the program at our Cargas office.”  

The curriculum includes JavaScript, database management, game and web development, and cybersecurity. 

“The Momentum Summer Coding Academy is about more than just learning to code – it’s about building confidence, cultivating curiosity, and showing students that they belong in tech,” Dr. Sara Atwood, Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Elizabethtown College, said. “By connecting high schoolers with faculty, industry professionals, and college students, we’re helping them see what’s possible and preparing them to lead in a digital future.”

Launched in 2024 through a Steinman Foundation grant as part of the Principal Partnership program of LCSA, the Academy enjoyed immediate success with 93% of participants successfully completing the course and earning college credits.

“This program empowers students with both the technical skills and the dispositions necessary for a career in computer science,” Executive Director of the Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Dr. Lauren Miller said. “The Academy also serves as a model for collaboration across nonprofit, K-12 education, higher education, and business sectors to drive workforce development efforts forward.”