As applications open for the Disney Dreamers Academy class of 2025, recent graduate Te’Lario Watkins II of Ohio exemplifies the transformative power of Walt Disney World Resort’s mentoring program. Watkins, a 16-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, recently experienced a dream-come-true moment after participating in the academy.
Watkins has run his own mushroom farm, Tiger Mushroom Farm, since he was seven years old and started a non-profit garden club project to address food insecurity in the area. He caught the attention of investor Daymond John at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. John, who served as a celebrity mentor at the event, was so impressed with Watkins’ story that he invited him to spend an afternoon on the set of the hit ABC show. Shark Tank.
Walt Disney World arranged for Watkins and his father to fly from their home in Blacklick, Ohio to Los Angeles, California, where John gave Watkins an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Disneyland. Shark Tank Watkins connected John with other entrepreneurs and introduced him to the other “Sharks” on the show. The highlight for Watkins was the opportunity to learn business strategies from John, gain entrepreneurial insight, and learn life lessons from one of the most well-known self-made billionaires of his generation.
“I was so excited to be reunited with Daymond John,” Watkins said. “If I didn’t go to DDA, I wouldn’t be here. So, high school students, applying to DDA will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made in your life.”
Today, at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana, Disney announced that applications for the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy are now open at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. High school students looking to achieve their dreams can be nominated or apply on their own.
Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day transformational program held annually at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The program aims to expand the career and personal growth of 100 young people selected from Black and minority communities across the U.S. These students, along with one parent or guardian, will take an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun in the most magical place on earth.
During the program, students will participate in in-depth workshops in various fields that align with their dreams. These workshops will introduce Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths in business, entertainment and science, including opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.
Watkins is one of several young people who had life-changing experiences participating in Disney Mentoring Programs this year. Elijah Moore, an aspiring producer and musician from Norfolk, Virginia, flew to Los Angeles for exclusive tours of Dolby Studios and Walt Disney Studios, while Orlando Ekung, a Los Angeles native with entrepreneurial aspirations, attended the film’s world premiere. Inside Out 2 As a special guest of Walt Disney Studios.
Over the years, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,700 students from across the country, with graduates going on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members and more, some of whom have gone on to mentor the next generation of Disney Dreamers.
Disney Dreamers Academy is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities, encouraging the next generation to think big and use what they learn to make a difference in the lives of others as they pursue their dreams.
Click here to nominate your favorite high school student now!
