Programmes Overview
“build a CV to be proud of”
Working Together to Change Lives
Momentum programmes are about changing lives. We offer a dynamic new approach to personal development which enables young people to grow into self-confident, active individuals, empowers them to become the agents of change within their peer groups and communities, and prepares them for the world of work. We add an extra dimension to the work of other education and youth organisations. So when a young person starts to ask “where can I go next?”, Momentum is the answer.
Challenge, Opportunity and Growth
We run three linked programmes which together form a unique, integrated personal development framework for young people between the ages of 15 and 22. Each programme is based on a combination of international experience, local participation, and membership of a structured youth network. Altogether these programmes constitute seven levels of progressive opportunity and growth. Participation is challenging, rewarding and fun.
Face-to-face contact and shared learning experiences between participants from different backgrounds and cultures are a key part of our approach. So we run a series of highly motivating international residential events at every level of our programmes, in different locations in the UK and overseas. Our events are always multidisciplinary, although they often focus on a particular theme. During these events, participants work in mixed nationality teams.
Read what young people have said about their life-changing experiences on our previous projects.
The Starter Programme
Our Starter Programme is designed for UK young people (normally aged 16 – 18) who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) or are at risk of this situation. The programme supports and complements the work of organisations active in this field. Participants may include those who are not reaching their true potential at school, who are in or about to leave care, or who are otherwise uncertain about their direction in life. The programme consists of: a residential induction and team building week involving a mixture of confidence-building outdoor adventure activities, with additional inputs from young people on our Advanced Programme from other parts of Europe; a further residential weekend focused on personal goal setting and presentation skills; and an evaluation and accreditation day. These activities normally take place within a 6 – 8 week period, and lead to a nationally recognised NCFE qualification, appropriate to the needs of each client group. For participants who show particular commitment and achievement on the programme, we offer an additional one week overseas residential, focusing on intercultural learning and identity.
The Standard Programme
The Standard Programme is for young people who have been identified by their schools, colleges or other groups as having the potential, but probably still lacking the experience or confidence, to become student or youth leaders. The programme is an exciting personal journey which normally begins in the Summer holiday following the end of UK school year 11 (age 16) and runs through until the following Summer (end of year 12, age 17). It starts with a two week international residential event in the UK and overseas, focusing on team work, intercultural learning, citizenship and enterprise skills. For the next nine months, participants build on their learning through school based or local community projects, with real life business objectives, and leading to a nationally recognised NCFE qualification (equivalent to a GCSE Grade B). The programme culminates in our inspirational flagship event, an international summer school of community and creativity, which also takes place overseas.
The Advanced Programme
The Advanced Programme is open to young people who have completed the Standard Programme or to suitably qualified direct entrants over the age of 18. This is a demanding youth leadership programme which develops a range of skills to a high level and prepares participants for the world of work. The programme includes 3 or more residential events involving increasingly exciting challenges overseas and in the UK over a 2 – 3 year period. Participants are also expected to take on leading roles as mentors and role models in local youth and community projects, to seek national or international volunteering opportunities and to enrol on work placements with their sponsoring organisations or elsewhere. They will often be given responsibilities within our own teams running Starter or Standard Programme events; by the end of the programme, they will typically be leading their own youth activities and may even be employed as members of Momentum staff, thereby growing our capacity to deliver our programmes to increasing numbers of other young people.
- Kristian, Bulgaria
Measuring Outcomes
Participants build up skills cumulatively through each of our programmes. As they grow in confidence and experience, they take on increasing levels of responsibility and challenge, supported centrally by the Momentum team, locally by partner organisations and online by their peer network.
For every young person who takes part in a Momentum programme, we aim for two simple end results: a life changed for the better, and a CV to be proud of. Graduates will:
- Show increased confidence, dynamism, creativity and self esteem
- Become more rounded individuals with a positive attitude to their own abilities and those of others
- Gain improved communication, organisation, team working and leadership skills
- Respect and confidently interact with other people regardless of nationality, culture, gender, religion or other factors.
- Get more involved in local groups and projects, and gain respect in their community
- Take responsibility for their own learning and skills development
- Face the future with a greater sense of purpose
Our programmes deliver cumulative change, so there will be observable and measureable progress at each successive level, recorded in a personal portfolio and regularly assessed against objective competencies. We also monitor and measure wider social impact with a series of quantitative and qualitative indicators, using both statistical and anecdotal evidence.
Who Can Join?
Our programmes are intended for young people aged 15 to 23. We aim for a complete mix of gender, race, culture and nationality.
Free Level 1 membership of our network is open to any motivated young person aged 15 or over, by simply completing our registration form. Membership gives access to information, contact and general opportunities within the network. Anyone wishing to join the Starter, Standard or Advanced Programme must first have become a Level 1 member.
In order to enter the Starter or Standard Programme, candidates should be aged at least 16 (or in UK school year 11), and must be selected by their school or youth organisation based on evidence that they already show signs of motivation and commitment to themselves and others, e.g. by regular attendance in a group, team or other positive organised activity. They must already be registered Level 1 members of our network.
Individuals aged 18 or over who have completed our Standard Programme, or who already have significant experience of community-based and international projects, may apply to join the Advanced Programme. Please contact us for further information.
- Nikola, Serbia
Participation Fees
The fees for each of our programmes are calculated on a per capita basis, inclusive of all activities. Participants are normally funded by the organisation which has selected them for the programme, or by an independent sponsor. However, every young person is also expected to make his/her own contribution, which is different for each programme. Please contact us for further details.
