📚

Academic & Career

22 skills across all age groups in this category

Practice This Skill Nearby
Kid-friendly destinations near you where this skill can be developed
The Innovator

The Innovator

Ages 9-12

13 skills

#236 Starting a Business

Role Model: Moziah Bridges
Resource: "Kidpreneurs" (Book) / "Shark Tank" kids episodes

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Launches a real business with a business plan
2
Developing
Generates consistent revenue, manages expenses
3
Mastery
Hires a friend or sibling to help
Click to see sub-goals

#237 Index Fund Investing

Role Model: Warren Buffett / John Bogle (Vanguard founder)
Resource: "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by John Bogle / "The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Opens a custodial investment account and understands what an index fund is
2
Developing
Invests in a total market index fund (like VTI or VTSAX) and sets up automatic contributions
3
Mastery
Understands expense ratios, diversification, and why index funds outperform most active managers
Click to see sub-goals

#238 Negotiation

Role Model: Chris Voss (FBI negotiator) / Donald Trump
Resource: "Never Split the Difference" (simplified) / "The Art of the Deal"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Negotiates a price at a garage sale
2
Developing
Negotiates for a higher allowance
3
Mastery
Participates in a family negotiation
Click to see sub-goals

#239 Taxes

Role Model: Benjamin Franklin
Resource: "Taxes for Kids" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands the concept of taxes
2
Developing
Helps parent with simple tax preparation
3
Mastery
Files a simple tax return for own business
Click to see sub-goals

#280 Advanced Math

Role Model: Terence Tao (child prodigy)
Resource: Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) / Khan Academy

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Masters algebra and geometry ahead of grade level
2
Developing
Studies pre-calculus or calculus
3
Mastery
Competes in math competitions
Click to see sub-goals

#281 Science Research

Role Model: Gitanjali Rao
Resource: "The Science Fair Handbook"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Conducts an independent science fair project
2
Developing
Uses the scientific method rigorously
3
Mastery
Presents research at a regional science fair
Click to see sub-goals

#282 Essay Writing

Role Model: E.B. White
Resource: "The Elements of Style" (Strunk & White)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Writes well-structured 5-paragraph essays
2
Developing
Writes longer research papers with citations
3
Mastery
Writes persuasive essays that could be published
Click to see sub-goals

#283 Speed Reading

Role Model: Howard Berg (fastest reader)
Resource: "Speed Reading for Beginners" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Reads faster than grade level
2
Developing
Uses speed reading techniques
3
Mastery
Reads 500+ words per minute
Click to see sub-goals

#284 Memory Techniques

Role Model: Dominic O'Brien
Resource: "Moonwalking with Einstein" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Uses basic mnemonic devices
2
Developing
Learns the memory palace technique
3
Mastery
Memorizes large amounts of information efficiently
Click to see sub-goals

#285 Study Skills

Role Model: Ben Carson
Resource: "How to Become a Straight-A Student"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Develops effective study habits
2
Developing
Uses active recall and spaced repetition
3
Mastery
Teaches study techniques to others
Click to see sub-goals

#286 Time Management

Role Model: Benjamin Franklin
Resource: "Getting Things Done for Teens" / Todoist

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Uses a calendar to track activities
2
Developing
Prioritizes tasks and manages time
3
Mastery
Uses productivity systems effectively
Click to see sub-goals

#287 Goal Setting

Role Model: Michael Phelps
Resource: "Grit" (Book by Angela Duckworth)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Sets short-term goals with clear outcomes
2
Developing
Breaks long-term goals into manageable steps
3
Mastery
Creates detailed plans and works persistently
Click to see sub-goals

#288 Self-Advocacy

Role Model: Erin Brockovich
Resource: Self-advocacy guides

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Expresses needs to trusted adults
2
Developing
Speaks up for self in school or social situations
3
Mastery
Advocates effectively with authority figures
Click to see sub-goals
The Trailblazer

The Trailblazer

Ages 13-15

2 skills

#322 College Preparation

Role Model: Ronald Nelson
Resource: "Colleges That Change Lives" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Researches colleges and understands the application process
2
Developing
Writes compelling personal essays
3
Mastery
Gains admission to a highly selective institution
Click to see sub-goals

#323 Interview Skills

Role Model: Steve Harvey
Resource: "Cracking the Coding Interview" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Prepares for interviews by researching
2
Developing
Answers common questions confidently
3
Mastery
Excels in various interview formats
Click to see sub-goals
The Polymath

The Polymath

Ages 16-18

7 skills

#340 Financial Independence

Role Model: Dave Ramsey
Resource: "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" (Book) / "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Files own taxes, manages all personal finances, understands FIRE movement basics
2
Developing
Analyzes complex financial products, calculates savings rate and years to financial independence
3
Mastery
Creates a 5-year financial plan, achieves net worth of $10k+, has clear path to financial independence
Click to see sub-goals

#341 Real Estate

Role Model: Chip and Joanna Gaines
Resource: "Rich Dad Poor Dad" (Book) / "The Art of the Deal"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands the process of buying a home
2
Developing
Analyzes a potential investment property
3
Mastery
Invests in fractional real estate or a REIT
Click to see sub-goals

#342 Career Launch

Role Model: Ashton Kutcher
Resource: "What Color Is Your Parachute?" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Writes a professional resume and cover letter
2
Developing
Networks effectively, secures an internship
3
Mastery
Receives a paid job offer before graduating
Click to see sub-goals

#344 Startup Incubation

Role Model: Mark Zuckerberg
Resource: "Zero to One" (Book) / Y Combinator Startup School

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Secures seed funding ($10k+)
2
Developing
Manages a team, product development
3
Mastery
Achieves profitability or significant user base
Click to see sub-goals

#356 Scholarship Hunting

Role Model: Ben Carson
Resource: "The Ultimate Scholarship Book" / Fastweb.com

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Identifies scholarship opportunities
2
Developing
Writes winning scholarship applications
3
Mastery
Secures significant scholarship funding
Click to see sub-goals

#357 Professional Networking

Role Model: Dale Carnegie
Resource: "Never Eat Alone" (Book) / LinkedIn

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Builds a LinkedIn profile
2
Developing
Conducts informational interviews
3
Mastery
Maintains a network of mentors and contacts
Click to see sub-goals

#358 Technical Skills

Role Model: Henry Ford
Resource: Coursera / Udemy / Certifications

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Builds a portfolio of technical projects
2
Developing
Contributes to professional-level projects
3
Mastery
Has technical skills valued in the job market
Click to see sub-goals

Other Categories