About The Program
In 2019 The Arc of the Bay took a step forward and established the Culinary Institute, in order to assist individuals with a passion for the culinary arts in working in an integrated environment, having more agency over their lives, and achieving their dreams. With a large culinary and hospitality industry in Panama City, we are uniquely suited to providing a first-class culinary education to individuals with disabilities and helping them to become working members of the local area.
The Arc of the Bay Culinary Institute is a vocational focused Culinary Arts program, designed to train individuals with disabilities to become “restaurant ready” in order to obtain a job in the food service industry. This program includes both classroom and hands on instruction in our fully equipped commercial kitchen. Instruction is lead by Chef Houston Jordan, a professional in the industry and alumnus of Gulf Coast State College. Additionally we receive consultation from a Culinary Advisory Board which includes Chefs from the GCSC Culinary Program as well as local business and industry professionals who have a vested interest in supporting those with disabilities, to ensure you are receiving a high quality culinary education.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum Age 18
- Photo Identification
- Willingness to Learn
- Passion for the Culinary Arts
- Desire to pursue a career in Culinary/Hospitality Industry
- Integrity, positive outlook, and strong work ethic
Schedule and Timeline
Term 1 (Class 13)
Jan 8, 2024 – Apr 26, 2024
Graduation: Apr 26, 2024
Term 2 (Class 14)
May 6, 2024 – Aug 23, 2024
Graduation: Aug 23, 2024
Term 3 (Class 15)
Aug 26, 2024 – Dec 13, 2024
Graduation: Dec 13, 2024
Days Closed:
January 17 – Martin Luther King Day, May 30 – Memorial Day, July 4 – Independence Day, September 5 – Labor Day, November 11 – Veterans Day, November 24-25 – Thanksgiving Holiday, December 23 – 26 – Christmas Holiday, January 2 – New Years Holiday
Enroll Today!
If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in our Culinary Institute, click the button below to fill out a brief form and someone from our organization will reach out to complete your application. Face-to-face applications are available at The Arc of the Bay. We are open Mon-Fri 8AM to 4PM.