Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, with all proceeds benefitting PAVE’s educational programs. The organization enables young talent to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Our vision is to cultivate relationships with students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, top-industry thinking, inspiration, and mentorship.
For more information, please visit www.paveglobal.org.
Design an innovative Store within a Store (SWAS) snacking destination that creates a fun, interactive shopping experience using cutting-edge technology, lighting, and sensory elements to elevate the confection and salty snack category.
This international competition is open exclusively to current undergraduate and graduate-level college students involved in retail planning, interior design/architecture, visual merchandising, graphic design, industrial design, engineering, branding, UX/UI design, or similar programs. If you are unsure if your area of study qualifies, please reach out to PAVE at info@paveglobal.org.
This is an individual competition - team submissions will not be accepted.
Please complete and submit your registration for the 2025 Student Design Competition below. Once registered, you will instantly gain access to the design brief, branding guides, and other resources. Please allow up to 2 business days to gain access to the "Project Submission Form".
Usage of AI tools is welcome to support brainstorming, inspiration, and prototyping. All AI usage must be transparently documented in your final submission.
Educators wishing to gain access to the project brief and resources should register here.
Students who register early will receive periodic emails with tips and reminders related to this design challenge. Projects must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
For complete competition details, please click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reference the FAQ or reach out to PAVE Global directly via email at info@paveglobal.org.
Access Resources to Guide Your Students
For the first time, we're providing educators with exclusive access to the complete design brief, branding guidelines, sustainability standards, and inspirational resources to better support your students in this exciting competition.
Whether you're incorporating this challenge into your curriculum, offering it as an extra credit opportunity, or simply want to stay informed about industry-relevant design competitions, registration gives you immediate access to all materials your students will be working with.
Please note: By completing this registration, you are not required to have your students participate in the competition. This registration simply provides you with access to resources and keeps you informed about opportunities.
What You'll Gain Access To:
- Complete project design brief and requirements
- Hershey brand guidelines and visual identity standards
- Sustainability guidelines and best practices
- Inspirational imagery and case studies
- Judging criteria and evaluation rubrics
Registration is free and takes less than 2 minutes.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025, BEFORE 11:59 PM EASTERN/8:59 PM PACIFIC
The PAVE Scholarship Program, now in its fifteenth year, provides financial assistance to students in educational programs preparing them for careers in the consumer environments industry, including but not limited to careers in retail design, visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, product design, UX design, graphic design, and industrial design. PAVE was developed to help ensure a future talent pool for the industry by eliminating barriers to studying in these fields. The funds assist students who are experiencing financial difficulties that may prevent them from continuing school. PAVE has awarded students over $216,000 in financial grants and scholarships in the past five years.
The Bish Creative Display POP Scholarship + Experience recognizes and supports leadership potential in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Applied Design, Engineering Design, UX Design, Product Design, Branding, and similar programs who have an interest in pursuing a career in POP Design.
THE AWARD
Student applicants will be judged blindly by a panel of industry professionals. One student will be selected to receive the following:
- $6,000 cash prize
- 5-day immersive mentorship experience at Bish Creative Display, in Chicago, IL. Travel and expenses covered.**
- Attend the 2025 PAVE Gala on December 8th in New York City, as a guest of Bish Creative Display. Travel and expenses covered.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
- Student must be enrolled in a 2 to 4-year undergraduate or graduate program working toward a degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Applied Design, Engineering Design, UX Design, Product Design, Branding, and similar programs who have an interest in pursuing a career in POP Design.
- Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Student must be a full-time student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (or equivalent, based on your program requirements).
- Student must be located and studying within the United States or Canada.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered.
- Cover Letter (Max 500 Words): Tell us about yourself. What interests you about pursuing a Graphic Design career designing Point-of-purchase retail displays?
- Portfolio (8-10 Pages Max): Highlights of your most recent design work. Can be student or professional-based. Must include 2-3 pages of your design work done outside of school/class for fun (examples include logo design, flyer, character designs, and 3D graphics).
- Please submit a picture portfolio of displays in the marketplace that are intriguing to you.
- Please submit any designs or projects in your classwork that focus on point of purchase, in-store marketing, and merchandising.
- Must include a complete copy of your current transcript (official or unofficial).
- Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through Submittable.
- All applications must be received by October 31, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET/8:59 PM PT to be considered.
**The in-person mentorship experience will occur on a mutually agreed-upon date.
Presented in collaboration with euro a go go + PAVE Global, this is a unique opportunity for students in Retail Design and Architecture to gain real-world exposure by attending euro a go go at EuroShop, the premier international retail design experience, taking place February 21–26, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
One student will be selected to receive a fully sponsored, 5-day inclusive experience as part of the renowned euro a go go programme, to explore the world’s largest retail industry trade fair (held once every three years).
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore global retail innovation and connect with senior leaders in the retail and design industries.
The Award
The winning student will receive:
- Round-trip airfare to Düsseldorf, Germany
- Five nights at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast daily
- Ground transportation to and from EuroShop
- Access to attend scheduled retail, architectural, cultural, and organized dinner events across the programme itinerary
- Mentorship pairings with top-level retail and architectural & design firm executives
- Admission to the 27th Annual PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11, 2025, where the winner will be recognized
- PAVE Gala airfare, hotel accommodations, and per diem are also covered
To explore past euro a go go events for the guest experience that awaits the lucky winner, including photos and videos, visit: Our Gallery | euro a go go
Learn more about euro a go go.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Student must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's/Graduate program working toward a degree in Interior Design or Architecture, with a interest in pursuing a career in retail environments.
- Student must be a 3rd year or higher undergraduate or graduate student (any year) as of November 3, 2025.
- Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Student must be a full-time student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
- Student must be located and studying at an institution within North America.
- Student must have a valid passport at the time of travel. (Please note: wait time for new passports or passport renewals in the United States is approximately 4 to 6 weeks)
Application Requirements
The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered.
1. Essay (500–600 words) Mandatory
Topic: Tech-Light, Human-Heavy: Rethinking Retail in the Age of Digital Fatigue
Is less tech more? Designing retail environments that prioritize human interaction over digital automation.
Analyze emerging design philosophies that reduce technological clutter in favor of curated experiences, tactile design, and personal service
Be thoughtful and forward-thinking in your response.
2. Bonus Activity (Max. 1 page, 11” x 17” PDF, Horizontal Layout)
Design a modular pop-up retail space that reflects your tech-light, human-heavy concept reflected in your essay. It should deliver immersive, story-driven experiences, think sensory engagement and flexible layouts, all within a temporary structure.
3. Project Folio (Max. 6 pages, 11” x 17” PDF, Horizontal Layout)
Share at minimum one retail-focused project (academic or professional) that you're proud of. Include visuals and a brief description. Submissions exceeding 6 pages will not be considered.
4. One Letter of Recommendation
From a faculty member, professor, or employer/internship supervisor. Must be on official letterhead. Letters from friends or family will not be accepted.
5. Current Transcript
A current academic transcript (official or unofficial) must be included.
6. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through Submittable.
Submission Deadline
All applications must be received by Monday, November 3, 2025, before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific to be considered.
🗓 Mark Your Calendar
Winner Notification
Winner will be notified in November 2025 and recognized at the PAVE Gala on December 11, 2025.
Have Questions?
Please reach out to the PAVE Global team at info@paveglobal.org