Academic Coaching Specialists are here to help the Penguins this semester! We provide the top academic coaches and tutors for Youngstown State University students.
Tutoring services can help students with a particular subject or challenging concept. On the other hand, academic coaching can cover a more comprehensive area of academics, including things like time management and study strategies. Academic coaching introduces learning tools and strategies that create successful habits, leading to increased efficiency in the classroom and beyond.Tutoring and coaching are not mutually excusive, and can be used together to create a strong support system for your YSU student.
What Exactly is Academic Coaching?
The very definition of a coach is someone whose job is to teach or train. Every successful person in sports, entertainment, politics or business has likely relied on some form of a coach at some point in their life. Top athletes use coaches to help them develop the physical, mental and technical abilities needed to outperform their competitors. Famous musicians lean on voice and instrumental coaches to improve their pitch, range and clarity. Business professionals utilize executive coaches to strengthen their leadership and productivity skills. An academic or educational coach is not a whole lot different. Academic coaching provides one-on-one support for students, geared towards developing critical academic and life skills, while providing encouragement, accountability, motivation, and building self confidence.
How will my Youngstown State University Student Benefit from Academic Coaching?
- Our process involves closely matching students with a mentor who will offer guidance, encouragement and accountability.
- Students meet weekly with their coach and review key concepts that are key to their success in college.
- Our coaches are passionate, lifelong educators who are highly skilled at helping students work through their emotions while tackling the challenges that can act as a barrier to their academic success.
- Working one-on-one with a coach will provide the necessary support for students to understand what it takes to manage their time in college.
- Students will improve focus and learn how to study and take notes to get the most benefit for each class.
- Coaches will help your YSU student identify the steps and strategies to effectively prepare for exams and write papers.
- Together, student and coach will discover ways to change any bad habits of the past, and identify positive strategies to get results.
- ACS coaches provide encouragement and inspiration throughout the entire semester.
NEARLY 1/3 OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN DROP OUT BEFORE THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR

At Youngstown State University, we work with high-achieving students, average students and students who just need extra support. Whatever level your student is at is the right place for them to start! Working with an academic coach can address and strengthen areas of concern, while also sharpening their areas of success. Here are a few groups we most commonly work with:
Students Taking Online Courses
Online courses can be a challenge. Academic Coaching Specialists can help YSU students remain focused and engaged in these classes. Providing accountability and a step-by-step plan, Academic Coaches are there each week to assist students taking any online course. Tutoring is not always the best solution for these types of courses, as the content is not typically the problem. Rather, the ability to see things laid out and in order, along with some incremental goals and motivation are usually all that is required to see big improvements.
Student Athletes
Athletes who are struggling with eligibility issues are another group our coaches frequently work with. Academic Coaching Specialists are familiar with NCAA guidelines and can help your YSU student monitor their standing and progress toward degree (PTD). Working with an academic coach throughout their athletic career can ensure they will not miss out due to issues related to academic eligibility.
College Freshmen
We find that the best approach to academic coaching is a proactive one. Freshmen starting or continuing their first year are our most common clients. Starting from the top, we work with students on what they already know from high school and build on those skills to create an even better college champion. YSU students who start their freshman year with academic coaching find they are much more prepared and ahead of their peers. They are also less stressed and discover more free time to enjoy non-academic activities.
Students on Academic Probation
Youngstown State University students on academic probation can take part in our Academic 911 program. This academic coaching program is designed to address the immediate problems in order to get the student out of the hole and back in good standing. Further, students will learn how to avoid potential issues in the future and break any bad habits of the past. Coaches will identify any individual problems, making any necessary referrals for tutoring or other campus resources as appropriate. ACS is a partner in helping the student get back on track.