Coaching Certification Programs
Jumpstart your coaching career and make a difference in the lives of tweens, teens, and young adults as a youth coach. We offer full professional training and certification paths accredited by the International Coaching Federation and the Center for Credentialing and Education.

We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:





Certified Youth Well-being Coach
36 hours - $1,350 (Package includes: Courses 1-3)
Courses 1-3 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 1 of 9: Basic Coaching Skills and Adolescent Well-being Science
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
The purpose of this program is to introduce youth-serving professionals, parents, and/or other caring adults to core coaching competencies and adolescent well-being science to support and empower tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 1-6 – 12 hours of asynchronous training with assigned reading
Lessons 1-6 include, Introduction to Coaching, The Adolescent Stage of Development, Coaching Structure, Process, and Skills, Facilitating Engagement, Self-Discovery, & Effective Goals, Facilitating Effective Planning, Goals Striving, & Self-Management, Evoking Awareness & Promoting a Positive Identity
Cost: $440
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Prerequisite for Practicum & Supervision Seminar 1
Course 2 of 9: Practicum & Supervision Seminar 1
Live - Experiential learning
The purpose of this program is to engage trainees in experiential learning to apply core coaching competencies with peers for supervision and feedback. Facilitators and evaluators support trainees’ as they develop proficiency as coach practitioners toward the ICF ACC minimum skills requirements.
7 weekly 2-hour Zoom meetings = 14 hours of synchronous training with faculty and peers in a group forum (maximum of 20 per group)
Cost $495
Schedule: Winter 2025
1 – 2/18-4/1/25, Tues AM 11-1 CT
2 – 2/18-4/1/25, Tues PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 2/4/25
Course 3 of 9: Evidence-based Coaching Interventions 1
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Recommend taking Courses 2 & 3 together
The purpose of this course is to train caring adults to apply evidence-based coaching grounded in psychology and neuroscience to enhance well-being and resilience in tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 7-11 – 10 hours of asynchronous training with assigned reading
Lessons 7-11 include Coaching Self-care & Managing the Coaching Engagement, Identifying Stages of Change & Motivational Interviewing, Introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Coaching, Social Connection, SEL, & Health, Academic Coaching & Learning Science
Cost: $415
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Certified Youth Resilience Coach
76 hours - $3,200 (Package includes: Courses 1-8)
Courses 4-8 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
The Certified Youth Resilience Coach program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation as a Level 1 provider for 76 coach specific education/training hours, including 10 mentor coaching hours. This program is also approved through the Center for Credentialing & Education for 60 training hours toward the BCC application.
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 4 of 9: Practicum & Supervision Seminar 2
Live - Experiential learning
Courses 1-3 are prerequisites
Recommend taking course 4 & 5 together
The purpose of this program is to engage trainees in experiential learning to apply core coaching competencies with peers for supervision and feedback. Facilitators and evaluators support trainees’ as they develop proficiency as coach practitioners toward the ICF ACC minimum skills requirements.
7 weekly 2-hour Zoom meetings = 14 hours of synchronous training with faculty and peers in a group forum (maximum of 20 per group)
Cost: $495
Schedule: Fall 2024
1- 10/31-12/19, Thurs AM 11-1 CT
2- 10/31-12/19, Thurs PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 10/17/24
*Next run will be Spring 2025 (4/15-5/27) for trainees who complete the Winter 2025 Course 2.
Course 5 of 9: Evidence-based Coaching Interventions 2
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Can be taken with Practicum and Supervision Seminar 2
The purpose of this course is to train caring adults to apply evidence-based coaching grounded in psychology and neuroscience to enhance well-being and resilience in tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 12-16 – 10 hours of asynchronous and synchronous learning with reading and practice client
Lessons 12-16 include Well-being at Work, ADHD & Perfectionism, Desistance Coaching for Transitions Away from Crime or Delinquency, Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Coaching, Parent Coaching
Cost: $415
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Course 6 of 9: Mentor Coaching 1 (live)
Live 1:1 meetings with a mentor
Can be taken with Practicum 1 or 2
Trainees completing the ICF-accredited CYRC program are required to complete 10 hours of mentor coaching with a qualified mentor coach. Mentor coaching involves coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies. Seven of those 10 hours can be in a group setting and three of those hours must be in a 1:1 format.
3 1:1 hours
Cost: $300
First hour must be by 12/6 to remain in compliance with ICF 3 month min to join the Jan MC group(s)
Course 7 of 9: Business of Coaching
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Recommend taking course 7 & 8 together
The purpose of this course is to introduce coach practitioners to the various ways coaching is currently applied in professional domains; and provide an overview of how to get started with establishing and maintaining a private coaching client base.
Lessons 17-20 – 6 hours of asynchronous and synchronous training with homework – practice client and other activities
Lessons 17-20 include Coaching Programs & Group Coaching Considerations, Business Building, Marketing & Relationship Building, and Ongoing Professional Development
Cost: $190
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Course 8 of 9: Mentor Coaching 2 - Group
Live - Experiential learning
Trainees completing the ICF-accredited CYRC program are required to complete 10 hours of mentor coaching with a qualified mentor coach. Mentor coaching involves coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies. Seven of these hours may be taken in a group setting and three in a 1:1 format.
7 group hours
Cost: $450
Schedule: Winter 2025 – bi-weekly
1- 1/9-3/6, Thurs AM 11-1 CT
2- 1/9-3/6, Thurs PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 12/26/24
*Next run will be Summer 2025 (6/10-8/5) for trainees who complete the Spring 2025 Course 4.
Certified Youth Health Coach
91 hours (Courses 1-9)
Course 9 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 9: Lifestyle Medicine for Adolescents
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
This designation is only available to coaches who have completed our Certified Youth Resilience Coach program. CYRCs who complete our Lifestyle Medicine for Adolescents course earn the Certified Youth Health Coach designation.
Our Certified Youth Health Coaches are equipped to support youth through identifying and engaging in behaviors that promote holistic health, well-being, and thriving. Learn to work with your clients to address specific health and wellness challenges or promote healthy lifestyle habits relating to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, sexual health, technology use, mindfulness, and mental health.
15 Hours Self-study
Cost: $495
Schedule: Coming late Fall 2024
EXCELLENT Based on 49 reviews Tyshonna Delaney2025-05-13 My experience with The Youth Coaching Institute has been nothing short of life-changing. The training was thoughtfully designed, truly aligned with the development of coaches, and provides resources and community for coaches. The instructors were not only experts in the field, but also incredibly supportive and engaging throughout the process. I successfully and confidently completed YCI feeling fully equipped to support youth in meaningful, strengths-based ways. The community of fellow trainees was also inspiring—diverse, passionate, and deeply committed to making a difference. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to specialize in youth development, YCI is a great organization to support your goals. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about empowering the next generation. Shyla Mathews2025-04-08 I have just completed CYWC with Dr Leah and Team! Highly recommend this training if you are looking at starting your coaching journey. The pacing of the programme is well planned with all the materials prepared well and very informative. Learnt so much and Dr Leah is very responsive to all my questions. Анна Крбашян2025-03-09 I recently completed the coaching certification course, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! Dr. Leah is an amazing instructor—professional, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable. From the very first session, I could tell I was in good hands. The course was engaging, and I loved every minute of it, even though I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. The material was well-structured, and Dr. Leah’s teaching style made it easy to understand even complex concepts. I also appreciated the supportive learning environment, where all my questions were answered thoughtfully and thoroughly. I’m so glad I found this course and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Leah. I’m excited to start my coaching journey and would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to become a certified coach! Valerie Shaw-Gavel2025-01-23 I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from my experience with YCI. It took one class and I was completely invested. Dr. Leah is knowledgeable (due to academia and life experiences) and has a tremendous passion for coaching that trickles down through her students. I learned more about myself throughout this course than I did in 4 years of college. The way the classes are taught, through peer conversations, video coaching sessions, reflections and coaching practice the takeaways come very easy. She works hard to meet people where they are directly and kindly. I will continue my connection with YCI and Dr. Leah in the future because I truly feel I am part of a "coaching family" now. Darrin Olmscheid2024-11-28 Dr. Mazzola and team were wonderful. Approachable, communicative and provided instruction that was research based yet provided practical strategies and resources one could use the very next day! Grateful for this experience Mehroo Turel2024-10-09 Thank you, Dr. Leah B. Mazzola for creating this exceptional program. Your shared experiences, deep insight and understanding of young minds, backed by research and tools, made this program easy to learn and highly practical to use. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this field. Angela Giles Klocke2024-09-04 I’ve had my eye on this training for a long time, so when the opportunity came up, I jumped in. Working with the team at the Youth Coaching Institute (YCI) was invaluable. While I am not new to coaching, there are so many ways to be an effective and impactful coach, and the training with YCI highlighted other techniques that I was able to start putting into action right away. The education and content, as well as the buddy coaching and coaching demos, offered a well-rounded experience in a comfortable learning environment. When it’s time to add to my knowledge and experience again, I will definitely return to YCI to continue. Jordan Tsuruta2024-08-29 YCI has greatly exceeded my expectations in terms of content, peer support, technical instruction, and overall personal value. This program has genuinely been life-changing for me. As a professional tennis coach with over a decade of experience and an active competitive athlete, I’ve gained invaluable insights into helping others—and myself—manage stress, identify unhelpful patterns, and create actionable plans for significant goals. While the education provided is both comprehensive and straightforward, applying the principles can be challenging. Fortunately, YCI offers an incredible mentorship system with ICF-certified coaches and guidance from Dr. Leah, providing essential feedback and support along the way. If you think you may be interested in learning what this program has to offer, I strongly recommend taking the leap of faith like I have and signing up! Becca Golden2024-08-28 There aren't enough words to fully express how incredible Dr. Leah's coaching programs are. My expectations were exceeded from the very first week of class and remained high throughout the entire course. I enrolled in the Youth Well-being Coach certification program to better support young people in discovering their strengths, potential, and goals. What I didn't expect was how much I would discover about my own. The experience was life-changing, empowering, and so much more. I am forever a grateful student and lifelong learner with Dr. Leah and YCI. Kathryn Armstrong2024-08-27 I highly recommend the Youth Resiliency Coaching Certification offered by the Youth Coaching Institute. As a Pediatric Cardiologist in Canada, I enrolled in this program to better support the youth and adolescents in my practice, many of whom have underlying heart disease. Through this certification, I gained valuable insights on how to support and facilitate young people to navigate the challenges of puberty, education, sports, and maintaining social connections. This experience was truly transformative for me, as I learned the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for teenagers to express themselves and make their own choices. I am excited to integrate these learnings into my daily practice and empower teenagers and young adults to build resilience and strive towards their best selves, regardless of any underlying medical conditions they may have. I highly recommend this resource for any adult who works with young people. It will provide valuable support to help them succeed in life. Dr Kathryn (Katey) Armstrong Pediatric Cardiologist
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
All training, supervision, and practicum are completed 100% virtually and available internationally via live Zoom webinar and/or telephone conference call.
Candidates must be 18 years old or older.
Our training programs are ideal for professionals working directly with tweens, teens, and/or emerging adults, professionals leading organizations serving these populations, or those who aim to serve this audience in some capacity.
Coaching is a helping profession focused on learning and growth. Thus, it is a wonderful skillset addition for those in or interested in a career path within helping professions or education (e.g., human resources, counseling, social work, human services, leadership, nursing, teaching, public health, etc.)
Trainees who complete our programs most often apply their skills in the following ways:
- Coaching as a side gig for access to deep, meaningful work and extra income around a full-time job
- Coaching as a professional career path
- Adding coaching skills to enhance their work with tweens, teens, or young adults
- Coaching in a volunteer or mentoring capacity
Trainees may opt to complete individual courses for continuing education hours or the series of courses required to earn a certification through YCI. We offer three certifications with each one building to the next.
Trainees who complete courses 1-3 earn our Certified Youth Well-being Coach designation. This option is generally a good fit for youth-serving professionals, such as teachers or caseworkers, who want to add coaching skills to enhance their current work.
Trainees who complete courses 1-8 earn our Certified Youth Resilience Coach designation. This is our ICF Level 1 accredited and CCE-approved coach training program. This option is generally a good fit for aspiring professional coaches, those in leadership roles over coaching staff, or those who would like to pursue a private coaching practice as a side gig or career pivot.
Trainees who complete courses 1-9 earn our Certified Youth Health Coach designation. This option is generally a good fit for professional coaches who support youth through mental or health and wellness organizations offering full continuum of care services.
Yes! You can earn your first certification and come back to complete additional courses for next level certifications when you’re ready. Just purchase each next course or set of courses as you’re ready.
Our Certified Youth Well-being Coach and Certified Youth Resilience Coach training programs have an 80% live attendance requirement.
All live classes are recorded so that those who have an allowed absence are able to watch the recording to submit a missed class makeup summary to earn credit.
If you were scheduled to coach the day of your absence, you would also need to complete a makeup practice coaching session outside of class.
Life happens! Your well-being is our priority. If you need to pause your training, you can transfer to a later cohort to complete your training up to one year from the date of your withdrawal from your current cohort.
Absolutely not. Your basic coaching skills are generally applicable to any coaching-appropriate audience – tweens, teens, and adults of all ages.
The behavioral science knowledge you’ll gain is also generally applicable. You are practicing coaching peer trainees who are adults of all ages with various backgrounds, experiences, and cultures during your in-class training. This means that you’re learning to coach adults of all ages through this program.
Because your training with us is approved by the International Coaching Federation, you also qualify to obtain a higher credential through the ICF upon successful completion with us. The ICF’s designations are general professional coaching designations accepted in most coaching-related roles.
Self-Study Courses: All tuition paid for self-study courses is non-refundable upon release of course access to the buyer.
Live Meeting Courses: Registrants can cancel or withdraw participation at any time within 14 days prior to the first scheduled live meeting date for their enrolled group for a full refund of paid tuition. Registrants can cancel within 7 days following the first live meeting date for the enrolled group for a 50% refund of paid tuition. If registrants cancel or withdraw from training more than 7 days following the first live meeting date for the enrolled group they are not entitled to any refund or any reductions in tuition owed, as they must cover the cost of the lost seat.
Just click the CYWC, CYRC, or CYHC Full Package button to add the full program of your choice to the cart. Be sure to note which of the live schedules you want for the live courses included in your package upon checkout.
We offer PayPal Credit for those who want to complete our full certification program, but need low monthly payments to make that affordable. To use that option, just add all courses for the full certification program to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select the PayPal Pay Later option to see if you qualify. Also, keep in mind that our tuition rates are intentionally priced well below the market for comparable training to keep it accessible to public servants. The current market rate for a comparable ICF-accredited Level 1 program is $5,000-$14,000 USD.
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.