
Claros is YCI's AI-powered coaching tool built for young people ages 14–30, the families who support them, and the certified coaches who guide them. Grounded in 13 years of behavioral science and youth coaching research.
Most technology in young people's lives is designed to capture their attention and make decisions for them. Claros is designed to do the opposite. It strengthens how they think, supports self-discovery, builds creative problem-solving, and develops more effective decision-making.
Claros is grounded in Reciprocal Potential Theory, a practice-based framework developed by Dr. Leah B. Mazzola, Founder and CEO of Youth Coaching Institute, drawing on decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and adolescent development. Every conversation is non-directive, youth-centered, and built to develop the person, not create reliance on the tool.
Claros serves the whole ecosystem around a young person, each with their own private, purposefully designed experience.
For young people working with a certified coach, Claros is there for the moments between sessions when life doesn't wait. A decision needs to be made, a feeling needs to be processed, or a next step needs to be found before Thursday's session. Claros bridges that gap.
For those without access to a coach, Claros brings evidence-based, solution-focused coaching support to anyone who needs it, without a waitlist or hourly rate. It is a starting point, not a substitute for the human relationships that matter most.
Start a conversation →A coaching companion for parents and guardians of young people ages 14–30. Grounded in autonomy-supportive parenting, attachment science, and adolescent development research, Claros Family supports the adults in a young person's life, especially when the young person isn't ready to engage directly.
Explore Family Plan →Evidence-based coaching strategies instantly accessible for certified coaches, plus a full practice management layer for coaches who bring clients onto the platform. Built on the same framework YCI has used to train 800+ certified youth coaches.
Access Coach Tools →Developmental relationships are not a nice-to-have. They are the mechanism. Research in adolescent development, neuroscience, and Positive Youth Development consistently shows that young people grow in and through relationships with caring, consistent adults. If your young person has access to a certified coach, a mentor, or a trusted adult, that relationship is the gold standard. Claros is built to support it, not replace it.
The attunement, trust, and lived experience of being truly seen by another person is something Claros cannot replicate. That relationship is doing something irreplaceable.
Decisions come up at 10pm. Feelings surface on a Tuesday afternoon. Claros is there for those moments, not to replace the relationship, but to keep the work moving.
Not every young person has a coach or mentor right now. Claros offers evidence-based support and can help a young person clarify what they need while they find their way to the relationships that will matter most.
Claros is grounded in the same evidence-based foundation that shapes YCI's coach training programs: psychology, neuroscience, adolescent well-being science, and lifestyle medicine, integrated with proven coaching techniques and the ICF coaching scope of practice.
Claros is designed for young people ages 14–30. That means privacy protections, safety monitoring, and transparent boundaries are not afterthoughts. They are core to how the platform works.
Claros is a thought partner and strategy tool, not a mental health service or crisis resource. If you or someone you know is in crisis, real human support is always the right answer.
Whether you're a young person navigating what's next, a parent supporting your teen, or a certified coach looking for better tools, Claros is built for you.
EXCELLENT Based on 63 reviews Posted on 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.Posted on Huaru Kang Participating in the YCI courses and becoming a certified Youth Well-being Coach through the YCI training has been truly an inspiring and rewarding journey. The program has not only deepened my understanding of youth development through self-study courses but also equipped me with practical coaching skills through online live sessions. I particularly appreciate its research-based and evidence-driven approach, which makes the course content both convincing and impactful. This clearly reflects Dr. Leah’s hard work and dedication. I am also very grateful for the support of our online meeting facilitator, Bonnie. She is a wonderful person, very kind and supportive, and demonstrating outstanding professionalism in coaching.Posted on Heidi Huelster This incredible program is the real stuff that you need as a Youth Coach. Not only are the Coaches who are facilitating actually IN the world coaching and professional, but are beyond gifted. I am grateful for what I have gained as a Coach and beyond happy that I dove in for the whole experience. You won't regret doing the same.
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