For young people facing adversity, believing in what’s possible for their future isn’t always easy. Sometimes, all it takes is opportunity, encouragement, and someone who believes in them first.
That’s exactly what Larita Academy provides.
Lighthouse Foundation is proud to congratulate the 187 graduates of Larita Academy 2026, the largest cohort since the program began and the fourth Academy to be delivered in Victoria. We are incredibly grateful for the meaningful support Larita Academy has extended to young people in our care since our partnership began in 2014, creating opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills, and discover new possibilities for the future.
Larita Academy is an intensive four-day entrepreneurship program for at-risk young people in Victoria. Designed to spark entrepreneurial thinking, strengthen leadership skills, and create meaningful employment pathways for young people, the program brings together experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and mentors who generously share their knowledge, lived experience and belief in the next generation.
More than a pathway to employment, Larita Academy empowers young people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover their strengths.
How Larita Academy supports vulnerable young people
Young people who have experienced homelessness, family violence, trauma or instability often face significant barriers when entering education, training or employment. While practical skills are important, confidence, self-belief and strong support networks can be just as critical in helping young people take the next step.
Across four immersive days, participants took part in workshops, heard from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, and developed practical skills that prepared them for future education, training and employment. Along the way, they are encouraged to embrace new challenges, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.
What makes the program especially impactful is the people behind it. Throughout the Academy, experienced coaches and mentors openly share their own stories of overcoming challenges, building businesses and creating successful careers. Many spoke candidly about starting with very little, offering practical advice and encouragement that resonated deeply with the young people in the room.
The program’s impact is reflected not only in the experiences of participants, but also in its outstanding outcomes:
- 100% of graduates said Larita Academy had a positive impact on their lives.
- 100% would recommend the program to another young person.
- 92% felt more prepared for employment or further training after completing the Academy.
- 100% of youth partners, coaches and support crew said they would gladly be involved again.
This year, Lighthouse had 9 young people placements accepted, and 6 graduated.
These results speak to the strength of Larita Academy’s approach: creating an environment where young people feel supported, challenged and inspired to believe in themselves.
How the program inspires young people
For one Lighthouse young person, Larita Academy was unlike anything they had experienced before.
Going into the four-day program, they weren’t quite sure what to expect.
“At first, everyone seemed a bit apprehensive about how the program would work,” they reflected. “But as the days went by, you could really see people leaning into the experience.”
Throughout the Academy, participants could choose from a range of unique workshops, allowing them to explore topics that interested them while challenging themselves in new ways. Experienced coaches shared their personal stories of overcoming adversity. Their advice was relatable and honest, showing that success isn’t always a straight path.
One of the highlights was the introduction of “Larita Money”, a fun incentive that rewarded participants for stepping outside their comfort zones. Whether speaking into a microphone, answering a question in front of the group or trying something new, young people earned Larita Money that could later be used to bid on prizes at an exciting auction on the final day.
“At first, most people stayed quiet,” they said. “But the Larita Money made everyone want to have a go. It brought out a really fun competitive spirit, and by the end of the program almost everyone was speaking confidently in front of the room.”
For many participants, it wasn’t just about developing public speaking skills. It was about discovering confidence they didn’t know they had.
The connections made throughout the week were equally meaningful. Coaches took the time to speak with every young person, offering encouragement and sharing their experiences in a way that felt genuine and approachable.
“A lot of the coaches’ stories were really inspiring. They talked about coming from backgrounds where they didn’t have a lot, but they still built something amazing. It made everything feel more achievable.”
There were also plenty of memorable moments that brought energy and excitement to the experience. The founders of Daniel’s Donuts visited to share their journey, and, of course, brought donuts for everyone to enjoy. Participants also visited the National Basketball League headquarters, where the program concluded with an auction featuring incredible prizes, including VIP NBL tickets and a $2,000 shopping spree.
Reflecting on the experience, the young person said:
“I went into Larita not knowing what to expect, but I came out of it a really different person. I made a lot of new friends, some of whom I still keep in touch with. It was a chance to do things I wouldn’t usually do and meet some really cool people. Thank you to Larry and Anita for making it a comfortable and fun time. I will carry the things I learned there with me for a long time.”
Their experience reflects what makes Larita Academy so impactful. Beyond entrepreneurship and employment pathways, it gives young people the opportunity to build confidence, form meaningful connections and discover strengths they can carry into every aspect of their future.
Thank you to the coaches and mentors
At Lighthouse Foundation, we know that meaningful change happens when young people are surrounded by trusted adults who genuinely believe in their potential.
As our Manager of Youth & Family Services, Ben Pryke, shares:
“Larita Academy offers far more than employment pathways. It offers belief, connection, and possibility. The opportunities and ongoing alumni support that young people receive have a lasting impact on their lives and the wider community.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Larry, Anita, Jen, and every coach, mentor and member of the support crew who made Larita Academy 2026 such an incredible experience.
Your compassion and unwavering belief created an environment where our young people felt safe to challenge themselves and left inspired by possibility.
