




SUNRISE, FLORIDA – This year’s Arc Broward graduation ceremonies celebrated the achievements, resilience and dreams of students who enrolled and completed post-secondary certificate programs that are a part of Arc Educates, which prepares individuals of all backgrounds as they prepare for the workforce and develop into lifelong learners.
Students in the post-secondary certificate programs came together with family and friends to mark this milestone with a heartwarming ceremony that showcased their journeys.
“Congratulations to our final graduates of 2025, whose success inspires us all,” said Arc Educates Manager Carla Sanoir. “This graduation marks the beginning of new chapters filled with opportunities for our students. As each graduate crosses the stage, it is more than a certificate that they carry away. They bring with them newly earned skills, the confidence to pursue their dreams and the power to make a lasting and positive impact on their communities.”
Established in 2003, Arc Educates provides three distinct certification programs that provide career training and rapid credentialing for individuals with disabilities and other life challenges in the fields of animal care, culinary arts, and material handling, as well as a certification program for individuals interested in careers supporting people with disabilities called Direct Support Professional Advanced Training in Human Services (DSPaths)Arc Educates’ Entry-Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program, Animal Care Certificate Program, Material Handler Certificate Program, and DSPaths are licensed by the State of Florida and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.
Graduating from the Animal Care Certificate Program, Carlos Mattear shared his inspiring journey that began with helping to care for family pets and progressed toward earning his Red Cross certification in animal CPR and working with shelter animals. Through externships at sites like Abandoned Pet Rescue, Mattear gained hands-on experience in clinics, learning about medications and treatments. During the ceremony, he reminded everyone of the power of mentorship and spoke from the heart to express his gratitude to his teacher, Ms. Gabi.
Upon her successful completion of the Entry-Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program, Allana George reflected on her early experiences that began at the School of Hire, where guidance from mentors laid the foundation for her success. Later, under the guidance of Chef Christian Velez and Chef Chad Phillips, she mastered baking and seasoning techniques and got a taste of what it is like to work in a commercial kitchen.
A rising star in the Material Handler Certificate Program, Christopher Delp captivated the audience with his story of transformation. From his start as a student in the School of Hire program to earning a job at FedEx as a package handler, Delp spoke about overcoming challenges, building resilience and learning the value of adaptability. His heartfelt thanks to his instructors and coaches underscored the vital role they played in his success.
A graduate of the DSPaths Certificate Program and an Arc Broward team member, Lellieka Foster honored DSPs as advocates for inclusion and champions of accessibility, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that comes with her work.
In her closing remarks, Sanoir praised the graduates for their determination and growth and recognized the unwavering dedication of Arc Broward instructors and staff, as well as the invaluable partnerships with externship partners Abandoned Pet Rescue, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center, Women in Distress, Arc Culinary, AB7 America and Cintas.
For more information about Arc Educates and other vital programs and services Arc Broward provides, please call (954) 746-9400 or visit arcbroward.com.
About Arc Broward
Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community, changing how people with disabilities and other life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, Florida. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400. Follow along on social media @arcbroward.