Gia Pastion Legacy Scholarship


Overview

  • 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


Timeline

Applications due:


December through March


Review period:



 2-3 weeks

Scholarship Disbursement:


Cheques presented at the end of May


How to apply?

01

Complete the online application form

02

Submit a 500–700 word essay explaining why you are pursuing a career in the culinary arts, your career goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve those goals. *

03

Include the name or description of the course(s) you have applied for.

04

Provide academic transcripts and any culinary-related diplomas.

05

Include two reference letters from non-family members.

* Essay specifics: Share your personal connection or passion for food—what inspires you about the culinary field. Be authentic, clear, and professional in your writing.


The successful applicant will be chosen for their:

  • Passion for culinary arts and innovation in food;
  • Commitment to working in BC’s hospitality industry;
  • Academic readiness and skill in culinary studies;
  • Being a first time student pursuing a career in culinary;
  • Ability to share their story through the essay; and
  • The strength of reference letters.


About Gia Pastion


Gia Pastion, of Dene, Sioux, and Cree descent, grew up in Whitecourt, Alberta, and developed a love for food from an early age. Even as a toddler, her passion for her favourite dishes was unforgettable, and throughout her life she explored flavours, textures, and culinary traditions from around the world. Gia loved experimenting with extra hot and spicy flavours and sharing her creations with friends and family.


At sixteen, Gia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite her treatments, she researched culinary schools and was accepted to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) in Vancouver, a step that would have catapulted her culinary skills to the next level. Gia shared her passion on TikTok, where her Indigenous heritage and creativity caught the attention of TikTok Canada, allowing her to participate in Indigenous campaigns.


Gia dreamed of opening a food truck and eventually a restaurant focused on people and giving back to the less fortunate. Her life was tragically cut short at age nineteen, just two months before starting at PICA. The Gia Pastion Legacy Scholarship continues her love for food and dedication to culinary arts, ensuring her spirit inspires future generations of BC chefs.