Youth Coaching Expert Insights

Stay informed, inspired, and engaged in mentoring and coaching tweens, teens, and young adults with the Youth Coaching Institute blog. Here you’ll discover expert strategies, research, and tools to empower your practice or organization and foster growth and resilience in adolescents.

Evidence-Based Success Coaching for First-Generation Students

First-generation college students—those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree—face unique challenges that can significantly impact their academic journey. Research consistently shows these students graduate at rates substantially lower than their continuing-generation peers, creating an urgent need for targeted support interventions. As an educator or coach working with this population, you have the power to make a transformative difference. Evidence-based success coaching interventions offer proven strategies to help

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Supporting Teens Through Their Identity Journey

Adolescence is a time of profound transformation. Young people naturally begin exploring who they are, who they want to become, and where they fit in the world around them. As educators and youth-serving professionals, understanding how to support positive identity development can make a meaningful impact on the teens and young adults in your care. Identity formation isn’t just a phase teens go through—it’s a crucial developmental process that shapes

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When to Guide vs. When to Step Back: Mastering the Art of Coaching Balance

Coaching can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, you have students who need your knowledge and expertise. On the other, you know that the most powerful learning happens when students discover solutions themselves. This tension between sharing what you know and letting students find their own way is one of the biggest challenges new coaches face. The truth is, effective coaching isn’t about choosing between being directive or

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Essential Communication Skills for Teens: Managing Conflict Successfully

Adolescence brings unique challenges as teens navigate complex social relationships, academic pressures, and personal growth. Understanding effective communication styles and conflict management strategies becomes crucial during this developmental stage. This comprehensive guide explores how teens can develop stronger communication skills to handle conflicts constructively and build healthier relationships. Understanding Communication Styles Communication involves much more than just spoken words. It encompasses three key elements: verbal communication (what we say), nonverbal

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The Science of Happiness: Strategies for Happy Teens

Most teenagers know what it feels like to be sad, anxious, or stressed. But do they know what it means to truly flourish? The field of positive psychology offers evidence-based strategies that can help teens not just survive their formative years, but thrive during them. This article explores the groundbreaking research from leading happiness scientists and provides actionable strategies that teenagers can use to increase their well-being. You’ll discover why

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How to Choose a Career as a Teenager: A Complete Guide

Choosing a career as a teenager can feel overwhelming. With over 900 career options available and pressure to “figure it all out,” many teens struggle with this major life decision. The good news? We don’t need to have our entire future mapped out perfectly. What we need is a strategic approach that helps us discover careers that truly fit who we are. Whether you’re a teen considering your own life

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