Culinary Scholarship

Chef Nik Lim Legacy Scholarship

Applications due: March 31, 2026

Advance your culinary education and elevate your professional journey with the Chef Nik Lim Legacy Scholarship, offered by the BC Hospitality Foundation in partnership with Nessa Van Bergen and Chef Dino Renaerts. This $2,000 award supports aspiring culinary students in British Columbia who are pursuing formal training in culinary arts or related professional studies.

Successful applicants will be:

• Be passionate about food and cooking and show a demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth in hospitality;
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a culinary-related program in BC; and
• Willing to work in BC’s hospitality industry for at least 2 years after receiving the scholarship.

Gia Pastion Legacy Scholarship

Applications due: March 31, 2026

Gia Pastion’s love for the kitchen and her passion for the culinary arts shone brightly from a very young age. In her honour, Gia’s family, together with the BC Hospitality Foundation, offers the $1,000 Gia Pastion Legacy Scholarship—awarded annually to BC residents pursuing a Culinary Arts Diploma.

This scholarship celebrates creativity, community, and a deep love of food—the very qualities Gia brought to every dish. If you’re passionate about cooking, eager to learn, and ready to make your mark in the culinary world, this scholarship is for you.

Successful applicants will be:

• BC residents who are pursuing a Culinary Arts Diploma;
• Passionate about food and cooking and show a demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth in hospitality;
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a registered culinary program in BC; and
• Willing to work in BC’s hospitality industry for at least 2 years after receiving the scholarship

Greg King Legacy Scholarship

Applications due: March 31, 2026

Greg King was known for his passion in the kitchen, his unwavering dedication, and a work ethic that inspired everyone around him. In his honour, the BC Hospitality Foundation, together with the King Family, offers the $1,500 Greg King Legacy Scholarship—awarded annually to one individual pursuing a culinary career in a registered program anywhere in BC.

This scholarship isn’t just about funding your education it’s about carrying forward Greg’s spirit of excellence, creativity, and commitment to the culinary arts. If you’re driven, passionate, and ready to make your mark in the kitchen, this scholarship is for you.

Successful applicants will be:

• BC residents accepted into the 6-month Culinary Arts or 1-year Diploma program at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts;
• Passion and work ethic similar to Greg King; and
• Must be willing to work in BC’s hospitality industry for at least 2 years after receiving the scholarship.

Valerie Soon Legacy Scholarship

Applications due: March 31, 2026

Chef Valerie Soon inspired everyone she met with her talent, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts. In her honour, Valerie’s friends across Canada and her husband Brian have established the $1,000 Chef Valerie Soon Legacy Scholarship, awarded annually to a young, dynamic woman in British Columbia who is pursuing a culinary education and would benefit from the financial support.

This scholarship celebrates mentorship, passion, and the love of food the very qualities Valerie brought to every kitchen. If you’re a driven, creative woman who is ready to follow your culinary dreams, this scholarship is for you.

Successful applicants will be:

• Young and passionate about culinary arts;
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a culinary-related program in BC; and
• Must be willing to work in BC’s hospitality industry for at least 2 years after receiving the scholarship.