Youth coaching may sound like a niche space, but the demand and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of adolescents and young adults continues to grow.
Here is a list of 4 places where a YCI certified coach can positively impact the lives of adolescents and young adults.
1. Schools
Who (could become a YCI certified coach): Teachers, counselors, administrators, career guidance staff from grade school to the university level.
Why: As students head back to school this fall, YCI certified coaches can use their skills to help tweens and teens develop social, emotional, academic, and personal resilience to increase their life and career outcomes. According to new data released by the CDC, teen mental health in the U.S. is improving, with a decrease in persistent sadness or hopelessness among students. However, the work is not complete. Many students still report experiences of school-based bullying, violence, or safety concerns in the community. In addition, LGBTQUIA+ high schoolers experience higher rates of poor mental health, suicidality, and violence than other peers.
How a YCI coach can help in a school:
2. Youth Serving Organizations
Who (could become a YCI coach): Youth serving staff, community leaders, tutors, mentors, non-profit workers, NGO workers, juvenile justice workers
Why: From after-school or summer enrichment programs and big-brother/big-sister programs to larger non-government and non-profit organization that work to improve the lives of young people around the world, YCI certified coaches can help young people develop the awareness and skills to maximize the access and resources that the youth serving organization provides.
How a YCI coach can help a youth serving organization:
3. Sports Organizations
Who (could become a YCI coach): Coaches, referees, athletic trainers, mental health providers for athletes at the grade school, collegiate, semi-pro, and professional levels.
Why: High performing athletes are often young. Researchers have found that the average age of Olympic track and field athletes (men and women) has remained under 27 years old for the past three decades. The youngest athlete in the 2024 Olympics was 11 years old. USA Olympic gold medalists Hezly Rivera (gymnastics) and Quincy Wilson (track and field) are just 16 years old.
How a YCI coach can serve a sports organization:
4. Your Community
Who (could become a YCI coach): Any caring adult! E.g. doctor, lawyer, judge, business person, engineer, teacher, counselor, federal worker, activist, community organizer, foster parent, speech/occupational therapist, childcare worker, and more.
Why: Your community needs you! No matter your profession, you as a caring adult have the opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of teens and young adults in your environment.
How a YCI coach can serve their community:
Bottom line: If you are an adult who cares about the social and emotional development of young people, you have a chance to impact their lives as a YCI coach.
Want to learn how to become a Youth Coaching Institute certified coach? Click this link for more information.
