Arc Broward Opens Applications for 13th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant Celebrating Girls with Disabilities

Arc Broward has officially opened applications for its 13th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant, creating opportunities for young women with disabilities to participate as contestants and for students to serve as teen ambassadors. The event, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, represents more than a traditional competition by serving as a celebration of belonging, confidence and self-expression for participants aged 6 to 17.

The pageant creates a supportive community where contestants are empowered to shine, build meaningful connections and strengthen their self-esteem. Teen ambassadors play a critical role as mentors, advocates and liaisons between contestants and the public, helping to create lasting bonds of friendship, encouragement and advocacy. Julie Price, CEO of Arc Broward, emphasized that this pageant is truly about celebrating each girl for who she is, noting that contestants remind everyone of the power of courage and self-expression.

Participation in the Miss Arc Broward Pageant is completely free, making it accessible to all interested young women. The experience extends far beyond the stage, with contestants gaining self-confidence through group activities while receiving professional headshots, swag bags and exciting prizes. Teen ambassadors develop valuable leadership skills and play an active role in promoting inclusion as they help contestants prepare for the event. Both teen ambassadors and cheer squads can earn school volunteer service hours for their participation, adding educational value to their involvement.

Teens are encouraged to register as pageant ambassadors to help create a magical experience for participants. Through special events, activities, rehearsals and on pageant day, teen ambassadors foster belonging and help pageant contestants feel supported. School, youth and community groups are also invited to form cheer squads to support pageant participants from the audience during the event. Applications for both contestants and teen ambassadors are due by December 15, with detailed information available at https://arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/.

The Miss Arc Broward Pageant demonstrates how charitable organizations can create transformative experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of disability while building community connections. By providing a platform where young women with disabilities can express themselves confidently and where teen ambassadors learn the value of inclusion and advocacy, the event creates lasting impact beyond the single day celebration. This approach to community engagement shows how non-profit organizations can develop programs that simultaneously serve multiple populations while promoting broader social change through meaningful participation and relationship building.