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About Us

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
WPBCAT students and staff

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

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.

From fish fries to black ties, Claudia grew up in Palm Beach, where philanthropy is a way of life. She is the proud daughter of former Florida Governor Claude Kirk.

She is a graduate of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2014 and continues to serve on the LPBC Aspire Committee. She is past Chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, past President of the West Palm Beach Rotary Club, Vice President of the Northwood Harbor Neighborhood Association, a member of A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts School Advisory Council, a member of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, member of Impact the Palm Beaches and many other community organizations.

She received her Associate's degree from Palm Beach State College and her Bachelor's degree in Communications from Florida State University. Claudia lives in West Palm Beach with her two sons, Wen and Kirk, and daughter Marina.

Our Team

Maasai Van Buren, Development Intern

Maasai Van Buren

Development Intern

Board of Directors

Jeri Muoio
Stewart W. Bosley Jr.
Don Chester
Michael Corbit
Peter Dyga
John Carpenter
Salvatore Faso
Fred Barch
Tay Gaines

Advisory Board

Chairman

Jack Lansing

UBS

Board Member

Mark DeSario

Beacon Ridge Capital Management

Board Member

Michele Jacobs

Economic Council

Board Member

Mayor Danielle Moore

Town of Palm Beach

Board Member

Steve Politziner

Good Karma

Board Member

Bob Schafer

Ranger Construction

Community Partners

Recipes for Success Associated Builders and Contractors Rohi's Readery

Join Our Mission

There are many ways to support WPBCAT and the communities we serve. Get involved today.

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