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Understanding and Communicating Identity
Do you really know who you are? And just what is it that makes you so sure? In this course, students will build perspective and understanding on the concepts and the realities of identity through the assessment and discussion of personal experiences and other current real world events.
Course Overview
The concept of who we are as individuals has often proved to be a tricky subject. Do you really know who you are? And just what is it that makes you so sure? In this course, students will work together to build perspective and understanding on the concepts and the realities of identity through the assessment and discussion of personal experiences and other current real world events.
90 day course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Identity, Expression and Desire – Blended Intensive
In this course, students will leverage what they have learned to build self-confidence in communicating their desires, building smarter goals for themselves, and taking definitive action towards their objectives.
Course Overview
During this course, students will apply the study of universal core competencies to build awareness around their individual skills and abilities. They will reflect on the reality of their past, present and future identities, and the significance of interpersonal relationships and habitual practices. Additionally, students will leverage what they have learned to build self-confidence in communicating their desires, building smarter goals for themselves, and taking definitive action towards their objectives.
This is a live and asynchronous version of Identity, Expression and Desire, our most popular on demand course. It is only available to students currently enrolled in high school, as well as students who have graduated from high school within the last 12 months.
Three week course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Self-Esteem, Self- Confidence and Self-Determination
In this year-long course, students will build perspective on the concept of identity, experience in practicing accurate self-expression, and a comprehensive awareness of personal desire.
Course Overview
Imagine you taking action on the belief that you were capable of achieving your goals. Pretty cool, huh? In this year-long course, students will build perspective on the concept of identity, experience in practicing accurate self-expression, and a comprehensive awareness of personal desire. Competency will be demonstrated and assessed with a blend of individual and group projects, as well as mine-term and final exams.
Year-long course.
Live and synchronous.
This is a new course currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Discovery, Self-Expression and Determination
During this course, students will apply the study of universal core competencies to build awareness around their individual skills and abilities, and to develop self-confidence.
Course Overview
During this course, students will apply the study of universal core competencies to build awareness around their individual skills and abilities. They will reflect on the reality of their past, present and future identities, and the significance of interpersonal relationships and habitual practices. Additionally, students will leverage what they have learned to build self-confidence in communicating their desires, building smarter goals for themselves, and taking definitive action towards their objectives.
This is a live and synchronous version of Identity, Expression and Desire, our most popular on demand course. It is only available to adult students, including students currently enrolled in a college or university, especially those based outside the United States and other predominately English-speaking regions.
Six week course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Converting Desire Into Action
The vast majority of people who set goals fail to reach them, however, it really doesn’t have to be this way. During this semester-long course, students will champion the effort of identifying immediate goals, building sufficient action plans and embracing responsibility when it comes to creating success.
Course Overview
The vast majority of people who set goals fail to reach them, however, it really doesn’t have to be this way. During this semester-long course, students will champion the effort of identifying immediate goals, building sufficient action plans and embracing responsibility when it comes to creating success. The course is live and mostly asynchronous, featuring a 30 day group project, a live presentation and a practical for the final exam.
Semester-long course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Discover Your Potential, Unleash Your Power
In this course, specially curated for teams and business professionals, students will learn to leverage their highest potential and skyrocket productivity in their professional work. Each course is custom-curated per business or group, and includes individual and peer assessment, as well as a practical exam and a certificate in project management.
Course Overview
In this course, specially curated for teams and business professionals, students will learn to leverage their highest potential and skyrocket productivity in their professional work. Each course is custom-curated per business or group, and includes individual and peer assessment, as well as a practical exam and a certificate in project management.
90 day course.
Live/In person and synchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
The Art of Self-Expression
Practicing self-expression is often seen as a challenge for many, and yet through accurate self-assessment, social awareness and mindfulness, students participating in this course will learn to master it.
Course Overview
Practicing self-expression is often seen as a challenge for many, and yet through accurate self-assessment, social awareness and mindfulness, students participating in this course will learn to master it. Taking cues from what we know about emotional intelligence, personal identity theory social identity theory and more, this semester-long course is designed to help build on the confidence, competency and esteem of each student, regardless of where they stand at present.
Semester-long course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Understanding and Communicating Identity
The concept of who we are as individuals has often proved to be a tricky subject. In this semester-long course, students will work together to build perspective and understanding on the concepts and the realities of identity through the assessment and discussion of personal experiences and other current real world events.
Course Overview
The concept of who we are as individuals has often proved to be a tricky subject. Do you really know who you are? And just what is it that makes you so sure? In this semester-long course, students will work together to build perspective and understanding on the concepts and the realities of identity through the assessment and discussion of personal experiences and other current real world events.
Semester-long course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
The Art of Self-Expression
In this course, we are taking cues from what we already know about emotional intelligence, personal identity theory, social identity theory and more to help students build more confidence, competency and esteem.
Course Overview
In this course, we are taking cues from what we already know about emotional intelligence, personal identity theory social identity theory and more, to help students build more confidence, competency and esteem. As daunting as the effort of self-expression may seem, students participating in this course will learn to master it through accurate self-assessment, social awareness, mindfulness and intentionality.
90 day course.
Live and asynchronous.
This is a new course that is currently under development at SEA. An official course outline and review of core competencies and outcomes will be available soon.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
JOIN THE WAITLIST
An Introduction to Self-Discovery, Self-Expression and Determination
Who are you? How can that be expressed? What do you want in life? What are you capable of accomplishing? In this course, we begin to answer these questions and more.
Course Overview
Who are you? How can that be expressed? What do you want in life? What are you capable of accomplishing? In this course, we will seek to answer these questions by developing and deepening our understanding of personal identity and expression, and enhancing our ability to evaluate and effectively communicate these qualities within ourselves.
Five day course.
Asynchronous.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
REGISTER NOW
REGISTER NOW
The 95 Universal Core Competencies: A Human Blueprint by Self Exploration Academy
Discover SEA’s 95 Universal Core Competencies—a research-informed, human-centered framework for building the life skills that actually matter. Organized in nine domains, this guide explores what it means to be truly capable.
A Human Development Framework That Starts with Self
Introduction: What Makes Us Competent?
We’re often taught that competence means having the right degree, job title, or test score. But at Self Exploration Academy (SEA), competence is something much deeper—and far more universal.
The 95 Universal Core Competencies developed by SEA form a blueprint for what it means to be a capable, self-aware, and purpose-driven human being. Whether you’re a student, leader, artist, teacher, or entrepreneur, these competencies help guide you in building a meaningful and integrated life.
These skills aren’t based on privilege, status, or personality. They’re available to everyone, and they grow stronger with practice.
The 9 Domains of Human Competence
To make them easier to understand and apply, SEA organizes these 95 competencies into 9 interconnected domains. These domains reflect different aspects of who we are, what we do, and how we show up in the world:
Self-Awareness + Identity
Self-Regulation + Emotional Intelligence
Communication + Relational Skills
Decision-Making + Thought Process
Drive + Discipline
Leadership + Responsibility
Collaboration + Empathy
Values + Integrity
Planning + Execution
Let’s break it down.
1. Self-Awareness + Identity
The foundation of personal growth starts with knowing yourself.
Core Competencies:
Awareness of Self
Self-Assessment
Self-Confidence
Self-Esteem
Self-Direction
Self-Expression
Self-Improvement
Identity Awareness
Presence
Self-Control
Internal / Personal Commitment
2. Self-Regulation + Emotional Intelligence
Managing your emotions, stress, and mindset to respond wisely, not just react.
Core Competencies:
Directing Emotions
Emotional Sensitivity
Stress Management
Surrenderance of Control
Sense of Timing
Humility
Rejection Management
Positive Attitude
Balanced Decision Making
Accurate Listening
Objective Listening
3. Communication + Relational Skills
Expressing clearly, listening actively, and building mutual understanding.
Core Competencies:
Communication
Accurate Listening
Observation of Others
Social Awareness
Social Drive
Awareness of Others
Awareness of Motivational Needs
Interpersonal Relationships
Personal Relationships
Empathy
Evaluating Others
Persuading Others
4. Decision-Making + Thought Process
Critical thinking, theoretical reasoning, and practical judgment in real-world situations.
Core Competencies:
Practical Thinking
Conceptual Thinking
Theoretical Drive
Theoretical Problem Solving
Intuitive Decision Making
Problem / Situation Analysis
Problem Solving Ability
Problem Management
Use of Common Sense
Concrete Thinking
Comprehension
Foresight
Versatility
Data Analysis
5. Drive + Discipline
Being proactive, focused, and consistent—even in the face of setbacks
Core Competencies:
Initiative
Persistence
Self-Discipline and Sense of Duty
Goal Oriented Mindset
Personal Drive
Proactive Thinking
Accountability for Self
Commitment
Competitiveness
Realistic Personal Goal-Setting
Surrenderance of Control
Specificity
6. Leadership + Responsibility
Guiding others, taking ownership, and showing up as a model of integrity.
Core Competencies:
Leadership of Others
Developing Others
Accountability for Others
Role Awareness
Role Confidence
Conveying Role Value
Integrity
Literacy
Admonishing Others
Political Drive
Truthfulness
Project Scheduling
7. Collaboration + Empathy
Working with others to build trust, share responsibilities, and honor group needs.
Core Competencies:
Collaboration
Belongingness
Commitment to the Task at Hand
Respect for Property
Respect for Policies
Team Awareness
Empathy
Awareness of Motivational Needs
Evaluating Others
Flexibility
Developing Others
8. Values + Integrity
Acting in alignment with ethics, traditions, and long-term commitments.
Core Competencies:
Integrity
Impartiality
Traditional / Regulatory Drive
Satisfaction of Standards
Role Awareness
Realistic Expectations
Ethical Awareness
Respect for Policies
Truthfulness
Consistency and Reliability
9. Planning + Execution
Making things happen through intentional thought, resource use, and practical execution.
Core Competencies:
Organization
Long-Term Planning
Balanced Decision Making
Selection
Time Management
Urgency
Results-Oriented Mindset
Customer-Oriented Mindset
Utilitarian / Economic Drive
Quality-Oriented Mindset
Creativity
Aesthetic Awareness
Resourcefulness
Goal-Setting for Others
Realistic Goal-Setting for Others
Final Thoughts: A Toolkit for Life
The 95 Universal Core Competencies aren’t just educational goals—they’re life tools. Tools for leading. Tools for learning. Tools for loving, building, changing, and thriving.
At Self Exploration Academy, we offer these competencies not just to be memorized, but to be practiced—through relationships, responsibilities, reflection, and real-world challenges.
You already have the capacity to grow. These competencies help you grow with purpose.
Explore more:
📚 Free resources and glossary entries (available soon)
📥 Sign up for the Bright Mind Newsletter (available soon)
📊 Competency-based lesson plans + SEL integrations (available soon)
Exploring the Efficacy of Daily Affirmations
Throughout the course, students will be able to measure the concrete efficacy of using positive affirmations daily.
Course Overview
In this course, students will learn how to build and maintain healthy habits in their lives, set immediate goals and achieve them through the daily practice of intentional mental alignment with positive affirmations. Throughout the course, students will be able to measure the concrete efficacy of their efforts through guided reflection and milestone markers that help indicate low res success and high res success along the way.
120 day course.
Asynchronous.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Understanding the Nature and the Purpose of an Affirmation
Understanding the Responsibility of Using Positive Affirmations
Utilising Affirmations to Develop Confidence and Clarity from Within
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.
REGISTER NOW
REGISTER NOW
Identity, Expression and Desire – Expanded Intensive
During this course, students will build perspective on personal identity, demonstrate the skill of self-expression, and build healthy habits that will help them in taking definitive action towards their goals.
Course Overview
During this course, students will apply the study of universal core competencies to build awareness around their individual skills and abilities. They will reflect on the reality of their past, present and future identities, and the significance of interpersonal relationships and habitual practices. Additionally, students will leverage what they have learned to build self-confidence in communicating their desires, building smarter goals for themselves, and taking definitive action towards their objectives.
This is an expanded version of Identity, Expression and Desire, our most popular on demand course. It is available to all students.
Ten week course.
Asynchronous.
Competency-Based Learning
Students in this course will develop universal core competencies related to the following essential practices:
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Identity
You can confidently speak to the reality of who you are, who you have been, and who you desire to become.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Expression
You can confidently express yourself, your thoughts, ideas and feelings at present through speech, through letter and through design.
Observing, Understanding and Communicating Desire
You can demonstrate a clear understanding of immediate, seasonal, short-term and long-term desire, and you can confidently declare what it is that you want in your life.
Click here to explore core competencies and outcomes in detail.