Helping Boulder Students with Untapped Learning’s Executive Function Coaching

Brandon Slade

November 20, 2024

Why Boulder Students Need Executive Function Coaching

In Boulder, students experience a unique blend of academic and social pressures that can make balancing assignments, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities challenging. From middle school through the rigorous demands of CU Boulder, many students face difficulties staying organized, managing time effectively, and avoiding overwhelm. This is where Untapped Learning steps in.

Our Approach: At Untapped Learning, we specialize in teaching executive function skills, which include strategies like time management, task prioritization, and focus. These foundational skills not only support academic achievement but also give students the skills to handle the demands of daily life, paving the way for long-term success.

What Makes Executive Function Coaching Effective? Executive function coaching is about more than just academics, it’s about helping students build habits and routines that will serve them in all areas of life. By learning to plan, set goals, and develop self-discipline, students gain confidence and independence, which are qualities needed for future success.

A Strong Connection to CU Boulder

Untapped Learning has deep roots in Boulder, with over 50 of our coaches having attended CU Boulder. Our familiarity with CU’s academic environment allows us to offer CU students highly relevant support. 

CU Boulder students often juggle rigorous academic programs, a fun social life, and personal responsibilities. Our executive function coaching helps them develop the skills needed to thrive in this demanding environment.

Innovative Collaboration with Lululemon:
We’ve partnered with Lululemon to bring a unique, movement-based approach to executive function skills. Through this collaboration, CU students participate in sessions that combine movement exercises with executive function coaching. Movement has been shown to boost focus, reduce stress, and improve learning which are benefits for students balancing heavy workloads with self-care

In these movement-focused sessions, we guide students through physical activities that sharpen their focus, help them release tension, and strengthen their time management skills. By engaging both body and mind, students develop not only academic skills but also routines for mental and physical well-being, providing them with powerful tools to manage the demands of college life.

Supporting CU Boulder Students Across Departments: We’ve worked with students and faculty across CU Boulder’s departments, including Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Business, and more. We understand the unique challenges each department presents. 

Whether it’s managing the intensive workload of an engineering major or balancing the multiple deadlines common in business, our coaches provide personalized strategies to help students stay organized.

Real Impact of Coaching at CU Boulder:
Students at CU often report feeling overwhelmed by the dual demands of coursework and campus life. One student, who was an Aerospace Engineering major, struggled to keep up with a heavy class load while staying involved in multiple student organizations. 

Through our coaching, he learned to break down large projects, set achievable deadlines, and manage his priorities. His grades improved, his stress decreased, and he found a sustainable balance between academics and social life.

Supporting Boulder Valley School District Students: Middle and High School

As Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) alumni, Untapped Learning’s founder and many of our coaches have first-hand experience with the district’s unique academic and social environments. We know the expectations BVSD students face and how best to support them at every stage of their education.

Executive Function Skills for Middle School Students: Middle school is an important time for building executive function skills. At this age, students are developing independence but often lack the skills needed to manage their time, assignments, and responsibilities effectively. Our coaching for middle schoolers focuses on:

• Managing Assignments: We teach students to break down assignments into manageable parts and develop a plan for tackling each one, helping them stay on top of their workload.

• Balancing Extracurriculars: With so many students participating in clubs, sports, and other activities, learning how to balance school and with outside school activities is key.

• Building Routines for Confidence: Consistent routines help middle school students reduce stress and feel more confident about their ability to handle schoolwork.

Preparing High School Students for College and Beyond:
High school brings increased academic pressures and the start of college preparations or the transition to indpendence. Untapped Learning helps BVSD high school students stay organized, develop strong study habits, and build resilience. Our coaching supports students in:

• Organizing for Success: Effective organization is key for managing multiple classes, activities, and deadlines. Our students learn to use tools like digital planners and building out structure to stay on track.

• Balancing Academics and Activities: Many high schoolers are heavily involved in extracurriculars and need help balancing these with academics. We teach them time management strategies that make room for both.

• College Readiness Skills: Our high school coaching focuses on skills that will benefit students in college, including self-advocacy, goal-setting, and self-monitoring.

Success Story from a High School Student:
A dedicated high school student faced challenges managing her perfectionist tendencies while juggling a demanding schedule of AP classes and a part-time photography job. The pressure to perform in all areas led to feelings of overwhelm and disorganization.

Through coaching, she developed strategies to break down tasks into manageable steps, prioritize effectively, and create a balanced schedule that accommodated her academic responsibilities, work commitments, and personal time. This structured approach not only improved her grades but also improved her overall well-being. 

Coaching for Boulder Students of All Backgrounds

At Untapped Learning, we recognize that each student’s journey is unique. Our coaches meet students where they are, whether they’re managing ADHD, anxiety, or balancing high academic demands with extracurricular commitments.

Flexible Coaching Options to Fit Busy Schedules:

• Virtual and In-Person Sessions: Families in Boulder can choose between virtual and in-person sessions in Superior or Broomfield. This flexibility ensures that students can access support in a way that suits their needs, whether they prefer the convenience of online coaching or the personal connection of in-person sessions.

• Customized Strategies: We provide tailored strategies that match each student’s learning style and specific challenges. For example, a student with ADHD might benefit from visual reminders and checklists, while a high-achieving student might need help setting realistic limits to avoid burnout.

Results That Last:
Executive function skills aren’t just for now—they’re for life. Students who work with us gain a sense of control over their education, reduce their stress levels, and develop confidence that lasts well beyond their school years. These skills help students succeed in school, but they’re also the foundation for future achievements in college, careers, and beyond.

The Untapped Learning Advantage: Why Boulder Families Choose Us

Our team’s deep connection to Boulder allows us to provide coaching that’s practical, relevant, and grounded in the local academic landscape.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Local Expertise: Our coaches know Boulder’s academic environment inside and out. Many of our team members grew up or studied in Boulder, and they understand the pressures and expectations students face here.

• Commitment to Long-Term Success: Unlike traditional tutoring, executive function coaching focuses on building skills that will serve students throughout their lives. We go beyond immediate academic needs to teach skills like self-advocacy, goal-setting, and time management. These are the skills that enable students to thrive in school, college, and their careers.

The Value of Real Relationships:
Our coaches build meaningful relationships with students, creating an environment of trust and support. Students feel comfortable sharing their struggles and challenges, allowing our coaches to provide more personalized guidance. 

This supportive relationship is key to helping students feel understood, motivated, and capable of achieving their goals.

Ready to Help Your Boulder Student Thrive? Book a Free Consultation Today

Untapped Learning is here to guide Boulder students. Whether they’re in middle school, high school, or college, we can help guide them toward academic success and personal growth. If you’re looking to support your student with skills that last a lifetime, reach out to us for a free consultation.

Take the Next Step: Contact us today to unlock your student’s full potential with Untapped Learning’s executive function coaching. Together, we’ll build the foundation for their lasting success.