Embrace Change Coaching Certification program
The Embrace Change Coaching Certification program ("ECCC," or "E-triple-C") is an ICF Level 1 Accredited coaching certification program for coaches of color who want to coach clients of color.
ECCC provides 70+ total hours of training, including 73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education. The next cohort launches April 2026.
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An overview of our program:
ECCC is an ICF Level 1 Accredited coach training program taught by ICF-credentialed Faculty who are coaches of color themselves.
ECCC includes 70+ student contact hours, with 73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education.
The program includes live, synchronous training sessions (40+ hours) as well as asynchronous training hours (30 hours).
There are no pre-requisites to enroll for interested applicants.
The program will be taught entirely in English and will be delivered virtually through Zoom.
Mission and Vision:
Why we created the Embrace Change Coaching Certification program
We created this program in recognition of the fact that there is a huge need for a program like this to give more coaches of color the foundation, skills, and experience they need to coach clients of color.
It is our mission through ECCC, to educate, train, and launch BIPOC coaches to new heights–as well as to move the needle on the diversity of the coaching industry at large. This, in turn, is part of Embrace Change’s larger mission to get all women of color–and people of color–the money, power, and respect that we deserve in the workplace.
Our aim with ECCC is, in part, to create a streamlined coach training program to support participants to build their coaching skills and become comfortable and confident in their coaching know-how in practice.
Our learning philosophy for ECCC is rooted in the belief that every coach brings unique strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences that enrich the learning ecosystem for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering space that centers people of color and fosters growth.
ECCC is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for 73.84 total hours of coach-specific education/training.
Note: ICF accreditation applies only to the Embrace Change Coaching Certification (ECCC) program and does not apply to any other programs operated by Embrace Change.
The next cohort launches April 2026.
Program Duration & Schedule
ECCC is a 6-month commitment and the schedule is as follows:
Program Dates: April 30, 2026 – October 22, 2026
Weekly Live Classes: Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 PM ET
No-Class Weeks (Breaks):
July 2 (July 4th holiday week)
August 13, 20, and 27 (August break. Note: Mentor coaching and peer-coaching practice will continue during August to maintain participant momentum.)
Tuition
We've structured several tuition levels to accommodate varying needs and goals.
If you’re considering employer or sponsorship funding:
ECCC may be eligible for funding through professional development, leadership development, learning & development, or tuition assistance funds at your organization. We provide a Sponsorship Toolkit with strategic guidance, sample manager request language, and organizational ROI to help you secure internal approval.
| Tier | Investment | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | $25,000 | Entire ECCC Professional Tier training PLUS done-for-you business setup and guided support to help secure your first three paying coaching clients. Selective enrollment, capped at 3 participants per year; interview required. |
| Executive | $15,000 | Entire ECCC Professional Tier training PLUS 18 months of post-graduation business coaching via our Business Foundations membership. Save $4,900. Limited to 5 seats. |
| Professional | $5,500 | Entire ECCC Basic Tier training PLUS a provided ICF-credentialed BIPOC Mentor Coach to fulfill the mentor coaching requirement. |
| Basic | $4,500 | Entire ECCC program. Participant is responsible for sourcing, meeting with, and providing the required documentation for their mentor coaching requirement. |
| Audit | $1,000 | Attend a portion of the live classes (exact schedule TBD). Does not include certification, mentor coaching, or any official training elements. |
ECCC is a selective program designed for individuals who are serious about coaching as a professional practice—either as a high-value skillset within an existing career or as an independent coaching path.
We use a short application process to ensure alignment, cohort quality, and a strong learning experience for all participants. Not all applicants are accepted.
Refund Policy: Full refunds are available for written cancellations received at least 30 business days prior to the program start date. Cancellations received fewer than 30 business days before the start date are non-refundable.
Curious about your coaching superpower and what it could unlock for your leadership journey?
Want the full scoop on the Five Coaching Archetypes? Read more here.
Additional Details
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For Executive, Professional, and Basic tiers, this 70+ hour coach training program includes:
73.84 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific education
For Professional and Executive Tiers Only: 11 hours of Mentor Coaching (group and individual)
Peer coaching practice
Homework assignments (readings, videos, reflection exercises, and other activities)
Final coach performance evaluations
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Aside from the live, synchronous group coaching sessions, we recommend that participants set aside a minimum of ~4-6 hours per week to complete in a meaningful and educational manner.
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ECCC graduates earn a coaching certification from Embrace Change and are also eligible to pursue the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from ICF.
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Need your employer to pay for this? Download our Sponsorship Toolkit.
Embrace Change Team Members:
Thea Charles, PCC, Director of Education & ECCC Director
Vince Zabala, PCC, M.Ed., Curriculum Development
Careen Gilzene, Executive Assistant
Cynthia Pong, JD, Founder and CEO
Reach out to the team at training@embracechange.nyc
85% of coaching clients prioritize credentialed coaches.
Only 2.5% of coaches hold ICF credentials.
That's your competitive advantage.
The choice is yours. The time is now.
Questions? Please contact Embrace Change’s Director of Coach Education, Thea Charles, PCC, at training@embracechange.nyc, or reach out to the Embrace Change team through the phone number in the footer.