Michael Willingham Legacy Scholarship


Overview

  • The Michael Willingham Legacy Scholarship supports the children of long-serving hospitality workers as they pursue post-secondary education in the hospitality field. This $1,000 award can be applied toward diploma or degree programs in areas such as culinary arts, hotel or restaurant management, bartending, or sommelier studies.
  • The scholarship honours the origins of the BC Hospitality Foundation and recognizes the dedication of families who contribute to BC’s hospitality community. If you are the child of a long-serving hospitality professional and are ready to further your education and career in the industry, this scholarship is an opportunity to help you take the next step. 




Successful applicants will be: 


  • Be the child of a parent who has worked in the food & beverage, hospitality, or culinary industry (including suppliers/distributors) for at least 5 years;
  •  Have a minimum 2.5 GPA;
  • Be enrolled or have applied for a hospitality-related program; and
  • Willing to work in BC’s hospitality sector for 2 years after completing studies.



Timeline

Applications due:


Review period:



 2-3 weeks

Scholarship Presentation:


Within 2–3 weeks of approval

How to apply?

01

Complete the online application form

02

Provide parent’s current place of work.

03

Submit transcripts and any related certificates.

04

Submit a 500–700 word essay explaining why you are a fit for this scholarship. Detail your passion for hospitality, your career goals, and how this award will help you pursue your post-secondary education in areas such as culinary arts, hotel or restaurant management, bartending, or sommelier studies.*

05

Provide two non-family reference letters.

* Essay specifics: Highlight experiences, challenges, or achievements that demonstrate your commitment, work ethic, and connection to BC’s hospitality community. Include program name(s) you are applying for.


The successful applicant will be chosen for their:

  • Interest in pursuing a hospitality career in BC;
  • Motivation and passion for the industry;
  • Financial need;
  • Academic readiness; and
  • The strength of essay and references.


About Michael Willingham


This scholarship honours Michael Willingham, a respected wine agent whose severe health crisis in 2006 inspired the creation of the BC Hospitality Foundation. A brain aneurysm left him partially paralyzed, unable to swallow, and with compromised lung function—conditions doctors said he might not survive. Despite these challenges, he fought back, regaining enough strength to walk short distances. Because of the severe financial hardship during his recovery, his colleagues came together to raise funds to help him. Seeing the difference it made for him, Michael encouraged his colleagues to establish a charity to help others in the industry facing similar hardships.


His perseverance, generosity, and advocacy led directly to the founding of the BCHF—the only charity in Canada supporting hospitality workers during medical crises. He inspired a movement of care and community that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hospitality professionals across British Columbia. This scholarship continues his legacy by supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals.