Learning Science & Academic Coaching
Self-Guided | E-Learning
Learning Science and Academic Coaching equips middle school, high school, and college support professionals with cutting-edge, research-backed techniques to help students become self-directed, resilient learners. This comprehensive course bridges neuroscience, psychology, and practical coaching methods—giving you the tools to move beyond content tutoring and guide students in building transferable skills for learning how to learn. You’ll master how to develop executive function skills, build growth mindsets, combat burnout, support ADHD and first-generation students, and guide learners through test anxiety and perfectionism. Whether you’re conducting micro-coaching check-ins or intensive sessions, you’ll learn structured frameworks that create measurable improvements in academic performance, motivation, and student confidence.
Bulk Purchase Options
We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:





EXCELLENT Based on 65 reviews Posted on Google allison reynolds I cannot say enough good things about this coaching program. As an MSW student who works directly with incarcerated youth, I found this program to be incredibly deep, meaningful, and professionally valuable. It added so many tools to my toolbox and truly equipped me with the skills I need to better coach, support, and empower the youth I work with. This program gave me a deeper understanding of resilience, personal growth, and how to help people recognize their own potential, especially those who have faced adversity. The material was powerful, practical, and immediately applicable to the work I do every day. What also makes this program stand out is that it not only teaches you how to become a stronger coach, but also how to grow your business and supports you in building the professional foundation needed to do this work well. That combination of skill-building, personal development, and business guidance makes it incredibly valuable. Honestly, this program felt like it was on the level of one of my graduate classes in terms of building my professional skill set. It was thoughtful, well-developed, and such an important class. I would recommend it not only to anyone working with emerging adults, but to anyone who wants to better understand, support, and help human beings of any age grow, heal, and build resilience. I highly recommend it. Also, Dr. Leah is AMAZING!Posted on Google Daniela Pacher I could not recommend YCI more! The program is extensive, thorough, professional, enjoyable and practical. The people are lovely, and the entire experience was worth every penny for those seeking input on their path to helping young people.Posted on Google Sara Rossi Raccagni I decided to train with YCI because it was the only one with a solid scientific basis, which I believe is crucial from an ethical perspective. I completed both the Youth Resilience Coach and Youth Health Coach programs. It was the best investment I could have made: the instructors are highly trained and do know how to create the ideal environment for continuous growth.Posted on Google Fabio Friscia I highly recommend the services of YCI to anyone interested in improving their skills to coach young people. Between the material and the classes, their offer is absolutely stellar! I am giving just 5 stars because giving a hundred is not possible!Posted on Google Shahnaz Bonadurer I am very glad that I had the chance to take the Youth Well-being course at the Youth Coaching Institute. Being part of this community, meeting like-minded people, engaging in peer coaching experiences, and having access to many great resources, tools, videos, and meaningful conversations made a real difference in my coaching journey.Posted on Google Leslie C. Newbold Dr. Leah Mazzoula’s course at the Youth Coaching Institute is truly exceptional. It’s clear how much care and expertise went into creating a program that’s science-based, evidence-backed, and incredibly supportive. I highly recommend it to anyone working with teens, parents, or anyone looking to grow as a coach and human being.Posted on Google Heather Mooney Incredibly grateful that I was strongly recommended to attend this program by another YCI alum (the amazing Cyndy Etler "the teen life coach"). After completing my coaching certificate I *totally* get why Cyndy insisted I attend YCI when I shared the intentions of becoming a coach! It's been instrumentally helpful in a multitude of ways and much more of a mindset shift than anticipated. All of the instruction, coaching practice and mentoring has been integral to my success as a coach. Appreciate the ongoing positive regard, growth mindset, and perpetual support for our continued coaching development as we navigate the various pathways for our careers.Posted on Google Robert McClellan I entered this program hopeful, but unsure of what to expect. It exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The training was thorough, supportive, and engaging. I feel equipped and eager to continue this important work! Highly recommend.Posted on Google Claire Gatonby I work extensively with the youth and found the YCI Youth Coaching course very insightful and valuable. The combination of theory and practical with tips on how to use this in meaningful interactions was highly beneficial. I would recommend this course.Posted on Google Kody Hersh I appreciated YCI's model of independent self-study combined with live classes for coaching practice and discussion. The content of the self-study materials has been really helpful for me as a youth professional in refreshing my knowledge of adolescent development, and learning how to use that knowledge to provide effective support as a coach. Program leaders are gifted and knowledgeable, and admin staff provided prompt and skilled support.
The Core Benefits of the Learning Science & Academic Coaching Course
Enhance your current student support work
This course teaches practical academic coaching techniques that elevate the work you’re already doing with students, no new programs to implement, no additional time required. Student success professionals learn to integrate evidence-based learning strategies into existing coaching or advising sessions, tutoring appointments, and student check-ins, making their current responsibilities more effective and impactful while helping students develop skills that transfer across all their courses.
Move beyond content tutoring to process coaching
Academic coaches and support staff gain structured frameworks for guiding students through the metacognitive skills that fuel long-term success. Learn how to shift from simply explaining material to facilitating student discovery of their own learning patterns, building executive function, and developing self-regulation skills that persist beyond any single assignment or semester.
Grounded in neuroscience and learning science research
Understand the “why” behind student learning challenges through evidence-based insights into memory formation, neuroplasticity, motivation, and executive function. This scientific foundation helps you respond to struggling students with targeted, research-backed interventions rather than generic study tips, creating coaching conversations that address how students actually learn and process information.
Flexible, self-paced professional development
Designed for busy education professionals juggling multiple responsibilities, this fully online course allows you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Complete modules during planning periods, between appointments, or after hours, earning a certificate of completion that demonstrates your commitment to evidence-based practice and student-centered professional growth.
Have Questions? Schedule a Q&A With Us.
Whether you have some coaching experience under your belt, want to better serve youth in your profession, or are exploring a profitable and fulfilling career choice, we’re here to guide you on the best path forward. Fill out our contact form or schedule a live 20-minute Q&A to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
This course is specifically designed for academic coaches or student support staff who want to upskill to deepen their impact with the students they serve. If adding learning science knowledge and specialized evidence-based academic coaching interventions to your toolbox sounds helpful, this course is for you.
Yes, it’s a self-guided, virtual course, allowing you to learn at your own pace and schedule, which is ideal for busy educators and student support staff.
The content could take between 4-8 hours to complete, depending on the learner.
Upon completion, trainees will receive a certificate of completion.
The course includes 8 continuing education hours.
Absolutely! Just choose the group option at checkout.
If you have groups larger than 25, reach out to discuss a site license to embed our program into your own internal learning management system. Email: leah@youthcoachinginstitute.com.
Great question!
If you’re an academic coach who wants to ensure you’re integrating science-backed strategies to enhance your impact, this may be taken as a standalone course.
Something to consider: Many academic coaches or student success coaches working within schools, colleges, or universities never received foundational coach training based on the professional coaching standards in the broader profession (e.g., International Coaching Federation, Center for Credentialing & Education, or National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching).
If that’s your situation, we highly recommend that you begin with our Foundational Youth Coaching Skills course to learn to remain within the coaching scope of practice. That is also a self-paced, e-learning course.
These courses were developed by Leah B. Mazzola, PhD, PCC, NBC-HWC, BCC. All research synthesis, theoretical frameworks, coaching models, and professional guidance are her original work, drawn from 14+ years of expertise. AI tools supported instructional design, optimizing how content is sequenced, presented, and assessed for learning. Dr. Mazzola maintains full editorial control of all materials. We use AI to amplify human expertise, never replace it.
Reach Out to Us to Learn More
Have questions or want to speak with a member of our team? Schedule a meeting or reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you on your coaching journey.
Youth Coaching Expert Insights
Discover a library of free expert resources exploring the youth coaching landscape, the experiences of adolescents today, and opportunities to strengthen your approach.
Elevate Your Impact and Start Coaching Today
Make a positive and measurable impact with the Youth Coaching Institute. Develop your coaching skillset and begin the journey to becoming a certified youth life coach today.


