Who We Are
The West Palm Beach Center for Arts & Technology (WPBCAT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing youth and adults for career success through arts and vocational training.
We provide no-cost, high-quality training programs in culinary arts, construction trades, and technology - giving community members the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to secure meaningful employment and build lasting careers.
Explore Our Programs
Our Mission
The mission of WPBCAT is to be innovative in our approach to inspire, motivate, and prepare youth and adults for career opportunities and success through arts and job training programs.
Our Vision
A West Palm Beach where every individual has equitable access to career training and the opportunity to reach their full potential - regardless of background or circumstance.
Our Values
Innovation
We take creative approaches to education and workforce development
Community
We are rooted in and accountable to the people we serve
Excellence
We maintain the highest standards in our instruction and operations
Empowerment
We equip individuals with the tools to shape their own futures
Leadership
Claudia Kirk Barto
Executive Director
Claudia Kirk Barto brings over 30 years of non-profit leadership experience with Palm Beach County Medical Society, Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Palm Beach Area Chapter, and the Partnership for a Drug Free Community at United Way of Palm Beach County.
Our Team
Maasai Van Buren
Development Intern
Board of Directors
Dr. Jeri Muoio
President & CEO, Great Cities for All
Former Mayor of West Palm Beach (2011-2019). Presided over 61% increase in business tax receipts, 20% job growth, and creation of the Flagler Financial District. Ph.D., Syracuse University.
Stewart W. Bosley Jr.
Founder, Urban Growers CDC
USMC veteran. 30+ years in advertising, communications, and entertainment. Founded West Palm Beach's only urban farm serving the Northwest District's food-desert communities.
Don Chester
Assistant Administrator, St. Mary's Medical Center & Palm Beach Children's Hospital
50+ years in healthcare administration. Founding leader of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. Legacy Award recipient. Leadership Palm Beach County, Class of 1986.
Michael Corbit
Assistant VP of Business Services, CareerSource Palm Beach County
Collaborates with regional businesses, government, and education leaders to drive workforce development. Serves on multiple South Florida boards focused on economic growth.
Peter M. Dyga, CAE
President & CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors - Florida East Coast Chapter
Leads Florida's largest contractor organization and its apprenticeship college, investing $2M+ annually in safety, management, and craft education for 1,000+ professionals.
John Carpenter
Assistant Director of Executive Education, FAU College of Business
Oversees recruitment and corporate partnerships for Florida's largest graduate business programs. Serves on the WPB Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board. Co-founded the FAU Business Mentor Program.
Salvatore Faso
Retired IBM Executive
30 years at IBM including CEO of IBM South Africa (Johannesburg Stock Exchange). US Army veteran. Led the 2011 WPB mayoral transition team. President, North Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Fred Barch
Director of Adult & Community Education, Palm Beach County School District
35+ years in education. Expanded pre-apprenticeship and CTE programs. Secured $1.3M+ in Florida DOE career opportunity grants. ACE of Florida Board of Directors.
Tay Gaines
Board Member
Community leader and WPBCAT board member dedicated to workforce development in West Palm Beach.
Advisory Board
Jack Lansing
UBS
Mark DeSario
Beacon Ridge Capital Management
Michele Jacobs
Economic Council
Mayor Danielle Moore
Town of Palm Beach
Steve Politziner
Good Karma
Bob Schafer
Ranger Construction
Community Partners
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Join Our Mission
There are many ways to support WPBCAT and the communities we serve. Get involved today.