The Arc of the Bay Culinary Institute

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

Winter (Class 16)

Jan 2025 – Apr 2025

Graduation: Apr 25, 2024

Fall (Class 17)

Aug 11, 2025 – Dec 5, 2025

Graduation: Dec 2025

Winter (Class 18)

Jan 5, 2026 – Apr 2026

Graduation: Apr 24, 2026

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.