MasterMine University Life Skills Academy
Program Dates: October 5, 2025 – June 7, 2026
Why the Life Skills Academy?
Too often, young people graduate without the practical tools they need to thrive as adults. MasterMine University fills that gap with engaging classes that develop confidence, independence, leadership, and Self-Mastery. Through a blend of virtual classes, in-person sessions, and bonus Sunday programs, students gain skills they will carry for a lifetime.
🎯 Our Goals
- Strengthen Academic & Personal Growth – Build reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking through our Book Club and Black History courses.
- Develop Healthy Habits & Emotional Intelligence – Encourage balance, resilience, and self-awareness through Yoga & Mindfulness (with journaling) and Communications.
- Sharpen Focus & Strategy – Build patience, planning, and problem-solving through Chess, including the chance to compete in our MasterMine Chess Tournament for trophies and medals.
- Celebrate Culture & Identity – Deepen pride and awareness with Black History, taught by world-renowned historian and educator Professor Kaba Kamene.
- Build Financial & Entrepreneurial Skills – Teach students how to manage money, understand investing, and explore business through our Business & Financial Literacy course.
- Expand Career Awareness – Expose students to diverse opportunities with weekly guest speakers in Career Exploration, while teaching the art of asking great questions.
- Teach Confidence & Practical Safety – Provide students with real tools to protect themselves through Self-Defense training.
💻 Virtual Courses
📚 Book Club
Reading scores are slipping nationwide, leading to weaker comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing skills. Our Book Club tackles this head-on with:
- Culturally relevant books where students see themselves and discover new perspectives
- Poetry that engages their critical thinking skills and introduces new ideas and language
- Self-development titles that spark reflection, goal-setting, and real-world conversations
Students engage in guided discussions to build comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking, while rekindling a love for reading.
💵 Business & Financial Literacy
Students gain financial confidence and entrepreneurial thinking by exploring:
- Budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and investing basics
- Business concepts like entrepreneurship, supply and demand, marketing, branding, and customer service
- The Stock Market Game — researching companies, making trades, and learning risk vs. reward
- Competitions and challenges, with opportunities to win real money prizes
💼 Career Exploration
Every week, a guest speaker shares insights from careers in business, health, technology, trades, arts, sports, and leadership. Students:
- Hear real-world stories from diverse professionals
- Learn the art of questioning — how to ask thoughtful, respectful, and insightful questions
- Gain exposure to both traditional careers and entrepreneurial ventures
📖 Black History
Students go beyond the textbook to discover the richness, resilience, and brilliance of Black history. Guided by world-renowned historian Kaba Kamene, they explore:
- Ancient African civilizations to modern movements
- Innovation, leadership, and the fight for justice
- Untold stories of everyday people and cultural legacy
🏫 In-Person Courses
🛡️ Self-Defense
Self Defense is a lifesaving skill that we hope students will never have to use. Students learn practical tools for safety while building focus, discipline, and confidence. The emphasis is on prevention, awareness, and self-control.
♟️ Chess
Chess is more than a game; it’s a life skill practiced by some of the smartest people in our society. Through chess students develop patience, planning, and critical thinking while practicing strategies and competing in the MasterMine Chess Tournament, with opportunities to win trophies and medals.
🧘 Yoga & Mindfulness
Students practice yoga postures, stretching, and breathing techniques to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Each session ends with journaling, helping students reflect, track growth, and build inner focus.
🗣️ Communications
Students build confidence in speaking, listening, and presenting themselves through role-plays and group discussions. The course culminates in a mock job interview where they apply their skills in a professional-style setting.
🎁 Bonus Sunday Programs
All in-person and hybrid students receive access to Free Bonus Sunday Programs throughout the year. These special events feature:
- Guest speakers
- Cultural celebrations
- Skill-building workshops
- Community connection opportunities
💡 Tuition Options
💻 Virtual Only
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Live evening classes per month (1 hr 40 min each = 3 hrs 20 min total)
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Learn from home with interactive lessons
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Perfect for consistency and convenience
🏫In-Person Only
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1 Sunday session per month (3.5 hrs. total)
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Hands-on classes taught by multiple instructors
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Includes Free Bonus Sunday Programs
🌟 Hybrid: Best Value
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Includes both Virtual + In-Person learning (≈ 6 hrs. 50 min/month)
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Balanced: consistency of online + immersion of in-person
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Includes Free Bonus Sunday Programs
Exclusive Rewards:
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Alumni Advantage Price → $120/month (for families who also participate in our full Summer Academy)