Helping Los Angeles Students Overcome Challenges: The Untapped Learning Approach

Handling the pressures of school, sports, and life can be overwhelming for many students in Southern California. We’ve worked with a wide range of students and professionals across the region, including mental health professionals, college consultants, and both public and private schools. Between demanding schedules, academic stress, and juggling extracurriculars, it’s easy for students to feel lost.

Untapped Learning is here to help. We provide individualized executive function coaching to help students succeed in school and all areas of life. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college, a student-athlete balancing practice and homework, or an overwhelmed high achiever trying to manage stress, we have you covered.

Who We Help

High School and College Students

High school and college students in Los Angeles often face a lot of pressure. Between heavy coursework, extracurricular activities, and the demands of getting into or succeeding in college, many struggle to stay organized and focused. Our coaches help students develop practical skills to manage their workload, improve their time management, and learn to advocate for their needs. 

We’ve worked closely with students from UCLA, LMU, Claremont McKenna, Occidental College, UC Santa Barbara, Azusa Pacific, and many other colleges in the Southern California area. We help these students build routines that support academic success and help them reach their goals. 

Virtual Coaching for Nationwide Support

Untapped Learning offers flexible, virtual executive function coaching to students in Los Angeles and beyond, providing personalized support and access to our experienced coaches, no matter where they are located in Southern California. 

Virtual coaching allows students to receive consistent guidance without the hassle of travel. We meet with students twice a week for short, focused sessions that ensure they stay on track, receive constant support, and remain accountable to their goals. This online approach has made our services accessible to students all over Los Angeles and beyond.

Case Study: From Overwhelmed to Scholarship Ready

Carter is a high school basketball player at a large private high school in Los Angeles. Carter had the skills to earn a college scholarship but struggled with time management, routines, and balancing academics with his intense athletic schedule. He often stayed up late trying to finish assignments after long practices, leading to exhaustion and inconsistent grades. 

Working with an Untapped Learning coach, Carter learned how to break tasks into manageable steps, use time-blocking to organize his week and create routines that included both schoolwork and training. By the end of his senior year, Carter not only improved his grades but also became more focused on and off the court. He earned a scholarship to play basketball in college. His story shows that having both athletic talent and strong executive function skills can open doors to the future.

Managing the demands of rigorous academics and intense athletic practices can be challenging. Many student-athletes in Los Angeles face the added pressure of maintaining grades while attending practices, games, and competitions. Untapped Learning specializes in helping student-athletes in Southern California prioritize their responsibilities, develop time management skills, and maintain a healthy balance between academics and athletics. 

Our coaches have worked with many athletes to help them build routines that incorporate study sessions, athletic training, and rest. This ensures they maintain balance and succeed both in the classroom and in their sport.

Overwhelmed High Achievers

Case Study: Aiming for UCLA with ADHD

Mia was a high-achieving student in Los Angeles with her heart set on getting into UCLA. Mia had always excelled in her classes and was deeply involved in multiple extracurricular activities, but her ADHD made it challenging to stay organized and keep up with all her commitments. The stress was beginning to take a toll on her, and she often felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work on her plate. 

Through coaching with Untapped Learning, Mia learned how to manage her ADHD by breaking down large assignments, setting realistic goals, and implementing time-blocking techniques. She also practiced mindfulness to help her stay calm and focused during high-pressure moments. By the end of her senior year, Mia not only improved her grades but also successfully managed her extracurriculars, she was accepted to several high-level universities, including UCLA. 

Even high-achieving students can feel overwhelmed. Striving for excellence in academics, leading in extracurriculars, and preparing for future opportunities can cause significant stress. Untapped Learning provides coaching for high achievers, equipping them with strategies to manage anxiety, improve focus, and work smarter rather than harder. Our goal is to give students the skills to reach their goals without burnout.

Addressing Common Challenges: ADHD and Anxiety

At Untapped Learning, we understand that many students in Southern California face unique challenges related to ADHD and anxiety. Our experience includes supporting students at public and private schools, as well as those navigating demanding college environments. These struggles can make staying organized, focusing, and managing time incredibly difficult. While our coaches are not therapists, they are trained to provide practical support that helps students overcome these obstacles.

• Managing ADHD: We teach students with ADHD strategies to improve their focus, manage impulsivity, and build organizational systems that fit their learning style. Breaking down large tasks into manageable steps, creating effective routines, and using tools like digital planners are some of the ways we help students gain control over their academic lives.

• Reducing Anxiety: Anxiety can be paralyzing when it comes to managing schoolwork. Untapped Learning coaches work with students to break down overwhelming assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. We guide students in planning ahead, creating structured routines that reduce stress, and developing coping mechanisms to manage their anxiety in productive ways.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Student Success

We use evidence-based strategies to empower students to take control of their learning. Here are some of our key approaches:

Customized Coaching

We believe that every student is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals. From there, we create a personalized coaching plan designed specifically for them. This ensures that their coaching is meaningful, productive, and tailored to their needs.

Breaking Down Large Tasks

Large assignments or long-term projects can easily overwhelm students. Our coaches teach students how to break these intimidating tasks into smaller, more achievable steps. We use positive reinforcement to celebrate each small step forward, which builds motivation and confidence. 

Additionally, we ensure accountability by setting clear goals and checking in regularly to track progress. This approach not only makes it easier to start but also reduces anxiety and helps students make steady progress.

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a powerful method for managing busy schedules. We teach students how to allocate specific time slots for studying, extracurricular activities, and personal relaxation. Time blocking helps students visualize their day and ensures they have a clear plan to follow. This reduces procrastination and opens more free time for everything they care about.

Routines and Planning 

Effective routines and planning can make all the difference in a student’s success. We work with students to establish consistent daily and weekly routines that include dedicated study time, relaxation, and physical activity. By planning and setting achievable goals, students learn to manage their responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed. This structured approach not only helps them stay organized but also builds confidence as they experience the benefits of effective planning and predictability in their schedules.

The Untapped Difference: Confidence and Independence

What sets Untapped Learning apart is our emphasis on having students to take charge of their own success. Our approach goes beyond simply helping students with their homework or exams; we focus on building lasting skills that foster confidence and independence.

• Building Strong Relationships: Our coaches develop deep, trusting relationships with students. This supportive environment helps students feel comfortable sharing their struggles and challenges, making it easier for us to create strategies that work for them.

• Developing Self-Advocacy Skills: We teach students how to advocate for themselves in both academic and personal situations. This means learning to respectfully speak up in class, asking for help from teachers, or managing their schedule effectively.

• Celebrating Small Victories: Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and we recognize the importance of celebrating every small step forward. Whether it’s completing a tough assignment, overcoming procrastination, or simply organizing their backpack, every achievement matters. Celebrating these victories helps build motivation and confidence, encouraging students to keep moving forward.

Virtual Coaching: Providing Ongoing Support

Our virtual coaching services provide students throughout Southern California with consistent support and guidance, helping them thrive whether they’re at home in Los Angeles, studying at USC, or attending other schools in the region. With virtual sessions held twice a week, students benefit from:

• Constant Support: Regular meetings ensure students stay on track, receive ongoing guidance, and remain focused on their goals.

• Accountability: Coaches provide accountability between sessions, helping students follow through on tasks and develop better habits.

• Flexibility: Virtual coaching fits into even the busiest schedules. Students can receive support from the comfort of their homes without worrying about travel time.

Executive Function Coaching: An Investment in the Future

Executive function skills are essential for success. These are the skills that students need to do well in school, excel in sports, and build a bright future. By investing in executive function coaching with Untapped Learning, students gain tools for:

• Academic Success: Our coaching helps students improve grades, manage workloads, reduce stress, and feel more confident in their academic abilities.

• Athletic Balance: For student-athletes, executive function skills like time management, focus, and self-discipline are needed to balance academics and athletics.

• Life Skills: Beyond school, the skills learned through executive function coaching, such as planning, prioritization, and self-advocacy, are invaluable in college, careers, and personal relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does virtual coaching work?

Our virtual coaching sessions are held twice a week through video calls, providing personalized guidance no matter where you are. We focus on short, impactful sessions to keep students on track and accountable.

Who can benefit from executive function coaching?

Executive function coaching can benefit students of all ages. Whether they are struggling to keep up academically, managing ADHD or anxiety, or high achievers looking to reduce stress and balance their responsibilities, we can support

What results can we expect?

With consistent coaching, students often see improvements in grades, time management, stress reduction, and overall confidence. Our goal is to give students the skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

How to Get Started

If you’re a family in Southern California seeking support for your high school or college student, Untapped Learning is here to help. Whether they’re managing ADHD, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by their academic and extracurricular demands, we can help you reach your goals. Our experienced coaches are ready to provide the one-on-one guidance your student needs to succeed.

Ready to give your student the tools they need for long-term success? Schedule a free consultation with Untapped Learning today and take the first step toward a brighter, more balanced future.