Shoolini University Wins Global ICF Coaching Impact Award 2026
Shoolini University Wins Global ICF Coaching Impact Award 2026
Solan, October 9: Shoolini University has won the 2026 International Coaching Federation (ICF) Coaching Impact Award for Distinguished Coaching Catalyst in the Social Impact category for its Project Pragati initiative, which supports rural women in building confidence, exploring entrepreneurship and achieving greater financial independence.
The project brought together 27 rural women, known as Sakhis, with professional coaches and student mentors to help them identify livelihood opportunities and develop locally rooted micro-enterprises.
The initiative follows a three-part model: Saarthis are professional ICF coaches who provide individual coaching, Sahyogis are students and mentors who offer guidance and enterprise support, and Sakhis are the women at the centre of the programme.
The award recognises the work of the university’s Centre for Leadership Coaching (CLC), led by Prof. Payal Khanna under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Atul Khosla. Since 2021, the centre’s coaching ecosystem has reached more than 1,400 students through 369 coaches across 22 countries, while extending its work to underserved communities.
Prof. Khosla said the recognition reflected the university’s commitment to taking education beyond the classroom and creating opportunities for communities to realise their potential.
Prof. Khanna described the award as a collective achievement, crediting the 27 women, professional coaches, student mentors and the university for supporting Project Pragati.
The 2026 ICF Coaching Impact Awards recognised contributions in four categories: Coaches, Coaching Education, Organisations and Social Impact. In the Social Impact category, Shoolini University’s Project Pragati received the Distinguished Coaching Catalyst award, while Argentina-based Fundación Multipolar’s Coaching en Zapatillas received the Emerging Coaching Catalyst recognition. The award celebrations were held in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2026.
Samagra Sikhsha
