How to Become a Student Coach

Empower Students

Empower Students. Build a Fulfilling Coaching Career.

Student coaching is one of the fastest-growing specialties in the coaching profession — helping young people and college students improve focus, motivation, time management, and confidence. Whether you’re an educator, counselor, or simply passionate about helping students thrive, becoming a certified student coach allows you to make a measurable impact on lives while building a rewarding career.

At JST Coaching & Training, we’ve pioneered the field of student and ADHD coaching for over 20 years. Our programs are accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and backed by research, giving you the skills and credentials you need to coach with confidence.

Step 1

Understand What a Student Coach Does

Student coaches work with teens, college students, and young adults to help them:

  • Strengthen executive function skills (planning, organization, follow-through)
  • Manage ADHD and learning differences
  • Build motivation and self-awareness
  • Navigate academic and personal challenges
  • Set realistic goals and develop lifelong learning strategies

Unlike tutoring or counseling, coaching focuses on empowering students to find their own answers — fostering independence, accountability, and growth.

Step 2

Choose an Accredited Training Program

The most respected path to becoming a professional student coach starts with an ICF-accredited coach training program. Accreditation ensures the program meets global standards in ethics, methodology, and coaching competency.

JST’s Empowering Students Through Coaching program is an ICF Level 1 Accredited (90-hour) course that combines foundational life-coaching skills with specialized training in student and ADHD coaching. You’ll learn through live online classes, mentoring, and hands-on practice with real clients — all guided by expert coach-trainers.

🧭 ICF accreditation also qualifies you to pursue the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential — a key milestone in a professional coaching career.

Step 3

Develop Specialized Skills

Student coaching requires an understanding of how learning, motivation, and neurodiversity intersect. JST’s curriculum emphasizes:

  • ADHD and Executive Function Coaching
    Learn evidence-based strategies for supporting students with attention and organization challenges.
  • Powerful Questioning and Active Listening
    Master core coaching techniques that encourage student reflection and growth.
  • Goal-Setting and Accountability Systems
    Help students take ownership of their academic and personal success.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Coaching
    Build cultural competence and awareness to support all learners effectively.

Step 4

Gain Practical Experience

Effective coaches learn by doing. In JST’s program, you’ll complete live coaching labs, mentored practice sessions, and peer-to-peer feedback, ensuring you graduate ready to coach with confidence.

Graduates also gain lifetime access to:

  • The JST Coach Finder Directory (to help clients discover your services)
  • Exclusive alumni resources and community
  • Continuing education and advanced training options

Step 5

Launch Your Coaching Practice or Apply Coaching at Work

Once you’ve completed training, you can:

  • Start your own student or academic coaching practice
  • Integrate coaching into your current role as a teacher, counselor, or advisor
  • Work with schools, universities, or learning centers that value student-centered coaching

Many of our graduates go on to earn their ICF ACC credential, further elevating their credibility and career opportunities.

Step 6

Continue Growing as a Professional Coach

The field of student coaching evolves constantly — and ongoing education keeps your skills sharp. JST offers advanced courses such as:

  • Coaching Neurodivergent Learners (20 hours, ICF CCEU)
    Deepen your expertise in coaching clients with ADHD, autism, and learning differences.
  • Student Success Coaching 101 for Higher Ed Professionals
    Learn to apply coaching principles within college and university settings.
  • Private Training and Webinars

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Becoming a student coach starts with one decision — to empower others through growth-oriented conversations.

Explore Our Upcoming Coach Training Programs →

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