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 13)

Jan 8, 2024 – Apr 26, 2024

Graduation: Apr 26, 2024

Summer (Class 14)

May 6, 2024 – Aug 23, 2024

Graduation: Aug 23, 2024

Fall (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.