Sponsored by:         

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026 

Now in its 11th year, the Bergmeyer Scholarship recognizes and supports leadership potential in interior design, industrial design, architecture, and graphic design through a $6,000* scholarship and an opportunity to take part in an immersive in-person learning and mentorship experience with some of the industry’s top designers at Bergmeyer. 

Creative. Connected. Curious. Bergmeyer is a Design Collaborative, inspired through partnership, thoughtfully creative, inherently curious, and driven to fulfill their clients’ needs. They design for their clients’ clients, the people whose lives and experiences are enhanced by their work, by focusing on understanding the end user while delivering on each clients’ vision and return on investment.

Services include Architecture, Interior Design, Branding, Graphic Design, Strategy, Visual Merchandising, Program Management, Sustainability Consulting, Placemaking, and Event Design + Activation. Markets include Retail, Restaurant, Workplace, Commercial, Multi-Family Residential, Academic, Cultural, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Pop-Up + Temporary Experiences. (www.bergmeyer.com)

Guidelines:

1. Student must be enrolled in a program working toward a degree in interior design, industrial design, graphic design, or architecture with an interest in pursuing a career in the design of retail, restaurant, or hospitality environments.

2. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

3. Student must be a full-time student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. 

4. Student must be a citizen of the United States or Canada

Application Requirements:

The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered:

1. Letter of Explanation (Max. 600 words): 

Artificial intelligence is evolving quickly, improving our efficiency and expanding design possibilities. However, as we integrate it into everything from practical tools to creative ideation, setting thoughtful boundaries becomes essential. Without them, we risk losing the human empathy that gives design its meaning and turns user experiences into tangible moments that spark real emotional connection. With AI becoming part of the design process, how do you think designers can protect and enhance human empathy in their work in the built environment?

(Essays should address the above topics for consideration by the PAVE Scholarship Committee)

2. Project Folio of 6 pages minimum:

Describe 1-3 projects maximum, in the retail, restaurant, or hospitality-related markets (student-based) that you’ve worked on and that you are proud of (include supporting text and visuals and process work in addition to the finished product). Include project examples that reflect the values of community connection and impact.

3. One written letter of reference: 

Can be a professor, faculty member, or an employer (including internship supervisors). References CANNOT be friends or family members.

4. Must include a copy of your transcript (official or unofficial).

5. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted online. All applications must be received by March 16, 2026.

6. If any part of your submission requirements (i.e. portfolio, letter of explanation, etc.) is supported or was created by AI, you must describe the process and the machine learning tools used. Although we understand that AI can be invaluable, we ask you to remember that the application and visual portfolio should showcase your original ideas, skills, and art and design work. Bergmeyer strongly recommends that you do not submit fully generative AI–created images in your portfolio or fully generative AI–created essays in your application. Bergmeyer reserves the right to request additional materials from students whose portfolios include AI-generated work. In addition, please note that if you are submitting work that involved collaboration, you must explain your role in creating that work. 

*Award sent directly to the recipient’s institution (to be applied directly towards tuition or other applicable costs of schooling).

Proudly Sponsored by:  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 30, 2026, 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 retail 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 $254,400 in financial grants and scholarships in the past three years.

The 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 similar areas of study.

The recipient of this scholarship will be invited to attend SHOP! MarketPlace 2026 in New Orleans, LA - May 6-7, 2026 (registration, airfare, hotel, and per diem covered), plus receive a $600 cash award.

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, 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.  

GUIDELINES  

• Student must be a current 3rd or 4th-year student (4-year program) or 2nd-year student (2-year program) as of May 2026.
• Student must be enrolled in a program working toward a degree in Interior Design, Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Visual Merchandising, UX Design, Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, or similar areas of study.
• Student must be located and studying within the United States.

REQUIREMENTS      The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered.​​  

• Letter of Consideration (Max 500 Words): Why are you interested in a potential career in the design of retail, restaurant, or hospitality environments? What is a design aspiration or trend that you would like to see in the future in regard to these industries? (Essays should address all of the above topics for consideration by the PAVE Scholarship Committee.)
• Project Folio (5 Pages Max) Highlights of your most recent work. Can be student or professional-based.
• 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 March 30, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific to be considered.