Personal Excellence Foundation exists to assist adolescents in reaching greater levels of Mind-Body-Spirit consciousness and break down barriers for turning their purpose into action.

Giving future adults tools to better handle the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing world.

Our Framework

After the first three years of life, adolescence is the second most active phase of neurological development during the human lifespan. Research tells us that adolescence is a critical time of brain reorganization and plasticity. During this window of opportunity, habits and traits form that last a lifetime. In this phase of explosive growth and change, young people are best supported through nourishment of their inner resources: mind, body, spirit, and heart.

We developed our framework over the course of a year of intensive research into the neuroscience and psychology of adolescence, exploration of what works and doesn’t work in existing youth programs, and ongoing conversations with kids, parents, teachers, and therapists. We initially developed materials that combined broad, high-level research with personal input and feedback from kids and their families and are now using that same research, input and feedback in the new Lucero app. Our framework is structured around Five Pillars of Personal Excellence: milestones on the journey of adolescent self-discovery and self-actualization.

The pillars inspire young people to think deeper about themselves, their relationships, and what truly matters to them.

5 Pillars of Personal Excellence

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Mindful Awareness

Young people develop self-awareness by checking in with their minds, bodies, and emotions. They learn to identify and cope with negative emotions and practice simple techniques to develop focus and calm.

Positive qualities impacted: self-awareness, self-care, focus

Belonging and Connection

Young people practice relating to others in authentic ways, build community and strengthen their connections. These positive experiences of belonging and connection lead to a grounded, empowered sense of self.

Positive qualities impacted: interpersonal skills, teamwork, and conflict-resolution

The Authentic Self

Young people go on a quest of self-discovery, exploring their strengths, values, and purpose. As they get to know their unique inner world, they develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-confidence.

Positive qualities impacted: self-confidence, identity, purpose

The Hero's Journey

Approaching life as a Hero’s Journey gives young people a powerful framework to meet challenges with integrity and turn problems into opportunities. These experiences encourage them to develop a growth mindset and step forward as leaders.

Positive qualities impacted: growth mindset, decision-making, problem-solving

Creating Your Reality

Inner life meets outer life and being leads to doing. Young people learn to see themselves as powerful creators on a journey towards personal fulfillment and being of service to the world.

Positive qualities impacted: leadership, goal-setting, dreaming big

“The Personal Excellence Foundation has tools and resources that step students through centering, being aware, and discovering themselves in a very intentional way. It is with that same intent that we wish our students to discover their identities, feel empowered, and know that they have the ability to choose their path towards success. PEF has given us the platform from which to launch, and we are excited about the opportunity to continue our partnership!”

— Juan Juarez, Principal Successor, KIPP Austin College Prep Middle School