Foundational Youth Coaching Skills
Self-Guided | E-learning
Learn essential coaching skills to better support the tweens, teens, and young adults in your life, whether you’re an educator, youth program staff member, or parent. This self-paced foundational course teaches evidence-based techniques that increase adolescent engagement, motivation, and self-direction without requiring professional coach certification. Perfect for busy adults who want practical skills they can apply immediately in their daily interactions with young people, this course covers core coaching skills including active listening, powerful questioning, goal-setting, and navigating difficult conversations. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.
We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:





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.
The Core Benefits of the Foundational Youth Coaching Skills Course
Immediate application in your current role
This course teaches practical coaching skills that enhance the work you’re already doing with young people, no new programs to implement, no additional time required. Youth-serving professionals learn to integrate evidence-based techniques into daily interactions, making their existing responsibilities more effective and less draining while deepening their impact with students and program participants.
Transform your parenting approach
Parents of adolescents gain the same professional coaching techniques used by certified youth coaches to navigate the unique challenges of this developmental stage. Learn how to move beyond power struggles and lectures to build connection, foster independence, and support your teen through stress, decisions, and transitions, even when they’re pulling away.
Grounded in adolescent brain science and development
Understand the “why” behind adolescent behavior through evidence-based insights into teen brain development, identity formation, and emotional regulation. This developmental lens helps both professionals and parents respond with empathy and effectiveness rather than frustration, creating interactions that truly meet young people where they are.
Flexible, self-paced professional development
Designed for busy adults 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, lunch breaks, or after the kids go to bed, earning a certificate of completion that demonstrates your commitment to upskilling and adolescent-focused 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 parents or youth-serving professionals who want to upskill to deepen their impact with the youth in their care. This caring adult is not seeking to become a professional coach or take on a formal coach role, but understands the benefit of gaining specialized knowledge and skills proven to promote positive outcomes for youth.
This self-paced foundational course teaches evidence-based techniques that increase adolescent engagement, motivation, and self-direction without requiring professional coach certification.
Yes, it’s a self-guided, virtual course, allowing you to learn at your own pace and schedule, which is ideal for busy professionals or parents.
Upon completion, trainees will receive a certificate of completion.
Absolutely! Just choose the group option at checkout.
Absolutely! Those who complete this course may determine they want to pursue coach certification to become a professional coach. Feel free to enroll in any of our coach certification programs when you’re ready. Our certification programs include practicum and supervision, boths vital elements to professional coaching.
Great question!
The Foundational Youth Coaching Skills course is intended for those who want to gain the specialized knowledge and skills to better support the tweens, teens, and young adults in their lives, but may not have any interest in taking on a formal coach role. This course is e-learning only. It does not include any live training component. Time commitment is 4-8 hours total and self-paced. Users have two months to complete the course.
The Certified Youth Well-being Coach training program is our first tier live training for those who are committed to ingraining coaching skills into their work with youth. Learning how to coach is a habit change process that depends on experiential learning. Our CYWC program includes practicum and supervision. We train you to apply youth coaching skills. Time commitment is 11 weeks with once weekly two-hour live Zoom meetings for seven scheduled weeks.
The Coaching Adolescents course is intended for certified coaches who want to add a youth specialization to their work. It is a continuing education course for those who completed their accredited coach training, practicum, and supervision elsewhere. Includes 16 hours of self-paced, graduate level video lectures and videos of coaching sessions with youth clients pulled from the self-study courses in our Certified Youth Resilience Coach training program.
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.


How to Help Reluctant Teens Set Goals (Without the Pressure)

YCI Youth Coaching Competencies
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.