Unlocking Potential,
Building Futures.

Larita Academy is an intensive training program for at-risk young people in Victoria, designed to fuel entrepreneurial drive, promote pathways to employment, and help form positive connections.

Our Mission

At Larita Academy, we believe in the power of opportunity, mindset, and connection.

Our programs are designed to fuel ambition, spark ideas, and build real-world skills that help young people create their own pathways toward meaningful work and fulfilling lives.

Our Why

We’re here to back young people to believe in themselves and their futures. Larita Academy equips young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive at work, in business, and in life.

Our HOW

We deliver high-energy, hands-on learning experiences shaped around real-world tools, entrepreneurial thinking, and employment readiness. Our holistic approach supports personal growth, resilience, and the mindset to lean in, show up, and keep going.

Our IMPACT

Larita Academy is built to create real, lasting change for young people. We focus on outcome, confidence, skills, and pathways to employment or entrepreneurship. Our impact is grounded in data and shaped by collaboration. We listen, adapt, and work closely with youth partners and corporate network to ensure every young person is supported to thrive during the program and beyond.

our community of PARTNERs

100%

of graduates would recommend laritA ACADEMY to other young people

97%

of graduates say they feel more able to identify and build connections with a positive and supportive community or group that helps them grow

100%

of graduates say that attending larita academy had a positive impact on their life

in their words

"the experience was rich with knowledge. i can't even fathom how much i absorbed. the coaches teachings made me reflect on my life and the changes that are needed.before it can change your life, it will change your mindset and that's what it did"

Jovanna
Class of 2024

"i want to express my sincere gratitude to larita academy for providing such an enriching program. the chance to learn from accomplished individuals has been truly inspiring"

Oscary
Class of 2024

"my journey at larita surpassed the impact of any other academy or youth program. I absorbed transformative knowledge that has the potential to reshape my life. i am profoundly grateful for the invaluable opportunity"

Mahat
Class of 2024

"It was a magical experience, bringing decency and respect to all involved. Every student was spoken to as an equal by facilitators. The program was action packed, mirroring a corporate seminar. group activities, and electives were available."

Sascha
Class of 2025

Thank you, Larita Academy, for a week full of learning and amazing experiences. The insights I learnt here will definitely be taken throughout my entire career.

Ana Beatriz - Class of 2026

One lesson Larry shared that I will carry for life is to “Work hard today and every day, be proud of your progress, leave the past behind, stay focused on the future, and trust that things will change." Attending Larita has been an incredible opportunity that has given me a strong sense of confidence in myself and my future.

Mahdia – Class of 2026

I learned to back myself by trusting my voice and not second-guessing my abilities. I also learned that genuine connections come from being open and present, and I’ll use that by putting myself out there more and building meaningful relationships.

Wardah - Class of 2026

Larita Academy was incredibly worthwhile, i got to meet so many other amazing young people and mentors, who truly want us to succeed. They took great care of us and i look forward to being part of the Alumni.

Gwen - Class of 2025

It was a magical experience, bringing decency and respect to all involved. Every student was spoken to as an equal by facilitators. The program was action packed, mirroring a corporate seminar.

Sascha - Class of 2025

Larita focuses on creating positive connections and remaining positive despite difficulties and challenges present in life. These were highlighted through a variety of guest speakers willing to share their personal stories and challenges. Promoting self-agency, self-care, self-identified personal strengths, and recognising personal differences and experiences that provide greater knowledge and insight.

Jacqui - Class of 2025

You have created an absolutely breathtaking and inspiring experience I couldn't be more grateful for. It always impresses me that so many people can care about the lives of young people and be willing to help as best as they can.

Zyna - Class of 2025

"The program was rich with knowledge. I can’t even fathom how much I absorbed. The coaches’ teachings made me reflect on my life and the changes that are needed. Before it can change your life, it will change your mindset, and that’s what it did."

Jovanna – Class of 2024

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Larita Academy for providing such an enriching program. The chance to learn from accomplished individuals has been truly inspiring.

Oscary – Class of 2024

My experience at Larita Academy was pretty incredible. I loved the opportunity to meet new people and learn from industry professionals. Overall, it was a valuable experience.

AJ – Class of 2024

I experienced joy, education and happiness. I made friends and have taken home valuable information that I will try to imbed into my everyday life. So, from the bottom of my heart thank you.

Thivika – Class of 2024

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the incredible experience at Larita Academy. It was nothing short of amazing, this experience has been transformative for me.

Oscary – Class of 2024

My journey at Larita Academy surpassed the impact of any other academy or youth program. I absorbed transformative knowledge that has the potential to reshape my life. I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable opportunity.

Mahat – Class of 2024

SPONSORS

NEWS

Support Crew Member of the Year – Jules Kerr
Larita Academy
May 19, 2026
Partner Spotlight: City of Yarra
Larita Academy
May 19, 2026
Celebrating Wardah, Class of 2026 Student of the Year
Larita Academy
May 15, 2026
Class of 2026: Insights That Shape Us
Larita Academy
May 6, 2026
Three Words
Larita Academy
May 6, 2026
Larita Academy Day 4
Larita Academy
May 6, 2026
Class of 2026 - Academy Wrap Up
Larita Academy
April 28, 2026
Larita Academy 2026 - Day 3
Larita Academy
April 28, 2026
Larita Academy 2026 - Day 2
Larita Academy
April 28, 2026
Larita Academy 2026 - Day 1
Larita Academy
April 28, 2026
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors
Larita Academy
April 28, 2026
The Daniel's Donuts team is back for 2026
Larita Academy
April 9, 2026
Larita EmPath Training Day
Larita Academy
April 1, 2026
A strong Larita Academy starts with a strong community trained to support young people
Larita Academy
April 1, 2026
Larita Academy 2026 Coaches Announcement
Larita Academy
March 25, 2026
What drives a bully
Larita Academy
March 10, 2026
David Thomas - Coach Profile
Larita Academy
March 6, 2026
Brooke Norton - Coach Profile
Larita Academy
March 3, 2026
Welcoming Back Coach David Stevenson
Larita Academy
February 27, 2026
Larita Academy Shark Tank 2026
Larita Academy
February 25, 2026
Anita Pahor - Co-Founder & Coach
Larita Academy
February 24, 2026
Larita Academy wins Silver Stevie® Award
Larita Academy
February 20, 2026
A Quiet Space For All
Larita Academy
February 13, 2026
Larita Academy 2026 Coach Briefing
Larita Academy
February 10, 2026
Coaches Are Back For 2026
Larita Academy
February 6, 2026
Larry Kestelman - Co-Founder & Coach
Larita Academy
February 2, 2026
Opening doors for the Class of 2026
Larita Academy
January 29, 2026
Stronger partnerships, brighter pathways for young people
Larita Academy
January 28, 2026
Why Australia Day is so complex and how we can approach it with respect
Larita Academy
January 27, 2026
Welcoming Dr Paul Taylor to the Larita Family
Larita Academy
January 20, 2026
Larita Academy extends its partnership with Champion
Larita Academy
January 19, 2026
Six ways to build habits that actually stick in 2026
Larita Academy
January 19, 2026
Vincent Fantauzzo - Coach of the Year, Class of 2025
Larita Academy
January 12, 2026
Shannon Roberts - Support Crew of the Year, Class of 2025
Larita Academy
January 7, 2026
Welcoming Yarra City Council to the Larita Family
Larita Academy
December 18, 2025
Seven Step Survival Guide for the Festive Season
Larita Academy
December 17, 2025
Gearing up for 2026 with our youth partners!
Larita Academy
November 28, 2025
Welcoming Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) to the Larita Family
Larita Academy
November 28, 2025
Celebrating Zyna as our 2025 Student of the Year
Larita Academy
November 28, 2025
Welcoming Redkite to the Larita Family
Larita Academy
November 26, 2025
New survey results show strong outcomes for young people
Larita Academy
November 24, 2025
Women and Mentoring (WAM) partner with Larita for 2026 Academy
Larita Academy
November 21, 2025
Bridge It joins the Larita Family for 2026
Larita Academy
November 21, 2025
Larita Academy Celebrates Class of 2025: 52 young people graduate with confidence, connection, and clarity
Larita Academy
November 10, 2025
Youth Projects and Larita Academy: Empowering Young People Through Meaningful Collaboration
Larita Academy
October 31, 2025
Inside Larita Academy’s 2025 Information Session
Larita Academy
October 29, 2025
My Four Days at Larita Academy: A Work Experience Diary
Larita Academy
October 7, 2025
Empowering Employers Through Untapped Potential training
Larita Academy
August 29, 2025
Larita Academy Inaugural Careers Day sparks employment pathways and possibilities
August 13, 2025
The Mindset of Success: Coach Boris on Growth, Risk & Taking Control
Samatar Ali
March 25, 2025
Championing the Future: Our New Partnership With Champion Australia & New Zealand
Samatar Ali
March 25, 2025