THE 2026 SHOP! SCHOLARSHIP + EXPERIENCE

A scholarship that combines financial support with real-world industry experience.

The 4th Annual Shop! Scholarship + Experience recognizes and supports leadership potential in Interior Design, Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Visual Merchandising, Architecture, UX Design, Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, and related fields of study.  ​  One student will receive financial support and the opportunity to attend Shop! Marketplace 2026 in New Orleans with travel, hotel, and daily per diem covered, plus a $600 cash award.

SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW

The Shop! Scholarship + Experience supports one college-level student pursuing a career in the design of retail, hospitality, and consumer environments by combining financial assistance with firsthand industry exposure.  ​  The selected student will attend Shop! Marketplace 2026 in New Orleans, gaining direct access to education sessions, the exhibit floor, and networking opportunities with professionals across the retail design industry.  ​​  This experience is designed to help students better understand how design concepts translate into real-world environments while building connections that support future career growth. 

THE AWARD

Student applicants will be judged by a panel of industry professionals.  One student will be selected to receive:​

• A $1,200 grant** to attend Shop! Marketplace in New Orleans, LA, May 6-7, 2026 (includes registration to the conference).
• $600 cash award

​Total Prize Package Value: $1,800  ​  ** Grant to be used to cover costs of attending the Shop! Marketplace (hotel, airfare, registration, and per diem).  

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES: Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a current third- or fourth-year student in a four-year program, or a second-year student in a two-year program, as of May 2026
• Be enrolled in a degree program related to Interior Design, Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Visual Merchandising, UX Design, Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, or a similar field of study
• Be located and studying within the United States or Canada.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS  

To be considered, applicants must submit all of the following materials through Submittable:  ​  

1. Letter of Consideration  (Maximum 500 words)

Your letter should address all of the following:

• Why are you interested in pursuing a career in the design of retail, restaurant, or hospitality environments?
• A design aspiration or trend you would like to see in the future within these industries

Letters that do not address both topics may not be considered.  ​  

2. Project Folio  (Maximum 5 pages)

• Highlights of your most recent design work
• May include student or professional-based projects

​ 3. Academic Transcript

• A complete copy of your current transcript
• Official or unofficial transcripts are accepted

​ 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

• All materials must be submitted through Submittable
• Applications must be received by Monday, March 30, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern / 8:59 PM Pacific

Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY  

Before starting your application, make sure you have the following ready:

• ☐ You meet all eligibility requirements listed above
• ☐ A Letter of Consideration, no more than 500 words, addressing both required prompts
• ☐ A Project Folio, no more than 5 pages, highlighting your most recent design work
• ☐ A copy of your current academic transcript, official or unofficial
• ☐ Time to complete and submit your application through Submittable before the deadline

​ With materials ready, the application can usually be completed in under one hour. You may save your application as a draft and return before the deadline. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE  

Monday, March 30, 2026, Before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific.* 

HAVE QUESTIONS?  

Please reach out to us at info@paveglobal.org

ABOUT SHOP! ASSOCIATION

Shop! Association is the global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience and is the catalyst for progressive evolution in retail. Shop! represents companies and affiliates worldwide from 25 countries. The association brings value to the global retail marketplace through connecting, networking, research and education programs, events, and industry awards while offering business-focused content, support, and resources to retailers, brands, designers, producers, and suppliers. (www.shopassociation.org)

Shop! Marketplace 2026 will be the premier boutique trade fair committed to elevating the in-store experience, presented by the Shop! Association in partnership with VMSD and SmartWork Media, this two-day event will take place May 6-7, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Retailers, brand owners, and design professionals from across the globe will be inspired by the education, networking, and discovery of the latest curated products, services, and innovations impacting the future of consumer experience. This is a must-attend opportunity to connect with industry peers in a uniquely sophisticated and experiential setting. 

ABOUT THE PAVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM  

The PAVE Scholarship Program supports students pursuing careers in the design of retail, hospitality, and consumer environments by providing financial assistance and access to industry opportunities.

Now in its fifteenth year, the program is designed to help reduce financial barriers that can prevent students from continuing their education in fields such as retail design, visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, product design, UX design, graphic design, and industrial design.

Over the past three years, PAVE has awarded more than $254,400 in scholarships and grants to students, helping them stay in school, gain industry exposure, and move more confidently from education into professional practice.

SPRING 2026

Fund Your Future

The PAVE Global Student Aid Program

Financial support for college-level design and architecture students experiencing financial hardship.     ​$1,000 grants will be awarded to help cover essential education and living expenses so students can stay on track toward their degree.

Quick Facts​

• Award: $1,000 USD per student
• Who: Full-time, college-level design and architecture students
• GPA: 2.5 or higher
• Deadline: April 20, 2026
• Time to apply: ~30–45 minutes

 Eligibility Guidelines​​

• Be a full-time college student enrolled in a design or architecture degree program.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, based on a 4.0 GPA scale.
• Be a full-time student, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (or equivalent based on the student's degree program's current requirements).​​

Application Requirements  The application is straightforward and focuses on understanding your situation, not on perfection.  ​  The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered:

- Letter of Explanation (500 words max): A letter explaining your current financial challenges and how PAVE's assistance would help address them.

• Include specific details about your situation and intended use of funds.
• Share your educational and career aspirations - how will your degree in design or architecture help you contribute to the future of the built or consumer environment?
• Your letter should demonstrate both compelling financial need and your potential to make an impact in your chosen field.

- Work Sample (2-3 pages max): Highlights of your most recent design work. Must be individual work; cannot be a group project.​

- A copy of your current transcript (Official or Unofficial).

Both merit and need-based criteria will be used when making awards. The applicant's GPA and level of need will be considered.

Before You Apply...     

Before starting your application, make sure you can check these items off:

• ☐ I am currently enrolled full-time in a college design or architecture program
• ☐ My cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher
• ☐ I can explain my current financial situation honestly
• ☐ I have 2–3 pages of recent individual design or architecture work
• ☐ I have access to my transcript (official or unofficial)

​ If you’re unsure about any of the above, we still encourage you to apply.

 Application Deadline

Monday, April 20, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific

 Have Questions?  Please reach out to us at info@paveglobal.org.