Professional Development That Changes Outcomes for Young People
Youth Coaching Institute offers ICF-accredited certification programs and skill-building courses that equip your team with evidence-based coaching tools grounded in adolescent development science.
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800+
Certified Coaches
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98%
Certification Success Rate
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ICF & CCE
Dual Accreditation
We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:





Self-Paced E-Learning
Skill Building Without the Commitment of Certification
Ideal for teams that want practical coaching techniques quickly. These courses can be completed in under a week and come with bulk pricing for organizations.
Foundational Youth Coaching Skills
E-Learning-
Ideal for: Parents, educators, and youth program staff who want to add coaching skills without pursuing full certification
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Essential techniques include active listening, powerful questioning, goal-setting, and navigating difficult conversations
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4-8 hours self-study, 60 days access
Learning Science & Academic Coaching
E-Learning-
Ideal for: Academic coaches, tutors, student success staff, and educators supporting middle school through college students
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Techniques for executive function development, growth mindset cultivation, study strategies, and support for ADHD and first-generation students.
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4-8 hours self-study, 60 days access
Live Certification Programs
ICF-Accredited Credentials for Your Team
Our three-tier certification pathway lets staff enter at the right level and advance over time. Each program is stackable, so prior coursework always counts toward the next credential.
Certified Youth Well-being Coach
Ideal for youth-serving professionals who want to integrate coaching skills into their existing role to support deeper 1:1 or group well-being work.-
36 training hours, 14 weeks typical completion
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Accelerated in-person option available for groups of 6+
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What's included:
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Basic Coaching Skills & Adolescent Well-Being Science (6 self-study lessons)
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Practicum & Supervision Seminar 1 (7 weeks live Zoom or 1 week in-person)
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Evidence-Based Coaching Interventions 1 (5 self-study lessons)
Certified Youth Resilience Coach
Ideal for aspiring professional coaches, those in leadership roles over coaching staff, or professionals exploring private coaching practice as a side career or career pivot.-
76 training hours, 22 weeks typical completion
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ICF Level 1 Accredited Path, CCE BCC Approved Training Path
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What's included:
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All CYWC courses (Courses 1–3)
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Practicum & Supervision Seminar 2 (7 weeks live Zoom)
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Evidence-Based Coaching Interventions 2 (5 lessons)
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Evidence-Based Coaching Interventions 2 (5 lessons)
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Business of Coaching (4 lessons)
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Mentor Coaching 2 Group (5 weeks live Zoom)
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CYWC & CYRC earned
Certified Youth Behavioral Health Coach
Ideal for professionals serving or aspiring to serve youth within behavioral health or health systems.-
91 training hours, 30 weeks typical completion
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All CYRC courses (Courses 1–8)
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Lifestyle Medicine for Adolescents (11 self-study lessons)
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CYWC, CYRC, & CYBHC earned
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.
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.
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.


