Daymond John and Disney Dreamers Academy Inspire Young Entrepreneur with ‘Shark Tank’ Visit

As applications for the Disney Dreamers Academy 2025 open, recent graduate Te’Lario Watkins II of Ohio exemplifies the transformative power of this Walt Disney World Resort mentorship program. Watkins, a 16-year-old aspiring entrepreneur, recently experienced a dream-come-true moment through his participation in the academy.

Watkins, who has been running his own mushroom farm, Tiger Mushroom Farms, since he was seven and started a nonprofit garden club project to combat food insecurity in his community, caught the attention of investor Daymond John at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. John, a celebrity mentor at the event, was so inspired by Watkins’ story that he invited him to spend an afternoon on the set of the hit ABC show. Shark aquarium.

Walt Disney World arranged for Watkins and his father to travel from their home in Blacklick, Ohio, to Los Angeles, California. There, John gave Watkins an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the park. Shark aquarium He met 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 insights and learn life lessons from one of the most well-known self-made millionaires of his generation.

“I was very happy to be able to meet Daymond John again,” Watkins said. “I would not be here without participating in DDA. To high school seniors: applying to DDA would be one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life.”

Earlier today, Disney announced at the ESSENCE of Culture Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, that applications for the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy are now open at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. High school students who want to make their dreams come true can be nominated or apply themselves.

Disney Dreamers Academy is an annual four-day transformational program at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida designed to expand the career and personal development of a select group of 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America. These students will receive an all-expenses-paid trip, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to Walt Disney World Resort to experience a combination of inspiration, education and entertainment in the most magical place on Earth.

During the program, students participate in in-depth workshops in various disciplines related to their dreams. These workshops introduce Disney Dreamers to various career paths in business, entertainment and science, including opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.

Watkins was one of several teens in this year’s Disney Mentoring Program who had a life-changing experience after attending the event. Elijah Moore of Norfolk, Virginia, an aspiring producer and musician, flew to Los Angeles where he was given a special tour of Dolby and Walt Disney Studios. Orlando Ecung of Los Angeles, who dreams of becoming a business executive, attended the world premiere of the film 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. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, Disney cast members and more. Some have even become mentors for the next generation of Disney Dreamers.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a vital part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities, encouraging the next generation to dream big and use what they’ve learned in their relentless pursuit of their dreams to help make a difference in the lives of others.

CLICK HERE to nominate your favorite high school student today!