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Call for Entries: 30th Annual PAVE Student Design Competition Sponsored by The Hershey Company

Promotional graphic for the 2025 PAVE International Student Design Competition, sponsored by The Hershey Company. The text reads “Design Something Sweet! The 2025 PAVE International Student Design Competition. Proudly Sponsored by Hershey. Learn more: paveglobal.org/sdc.” Background is bright blue with dark candy silhouettes and the PAVE Global logo.

PAVE Global is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 30th Annual International Student Design Competition, sponsored by The Hershey Company.


This prestigious competition provides college-level design students from around the world with a “real-world” design experience, challenging them to envision and create consumer environments that inspire, connect, and elevate the shopping experience.


For 2025, The Hershey Company invites students to design an innovative Store-within-a-Store (SWAS) snacking destination inside a traditional grocery store. Concepts should leverage Hershey’s iconic family of brands while creating engaging, immersive shopping experiences through cutting-edge technology, lighting, sensory design, and micro-occasions like s’mores, movie nights, or cultural celebrations.


“Candy is a fun and vibrant category, so let your imagination run wild. We encourage students to think outside the box, exploring how technology, lighting, and sensory elements can transform the snacking destination into an engaging, interactive experience,” said Tiffany Pieja and Stephen Calhoun of The Hershey Company. “We are excited to see the unique and innovative designs that this talented group of students will bring to life.”

Awards & Recognition

The top three concepts will each receive:

  • $4,000 USD cash prize

  • Invitation to attend the 2025 PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11 (airfare, hotel, and daily per diem covered)

  • $1,000 USD travel stipend awarded to each winning student’s educator to accompany them to the Gala


Winning students may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry-leading design and manufacturing team to bring their concepts to life.


Eligibility

The competition is open exclusively to current undergraduate and graduate students worldwide enrolled in programs related to retail planning, visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, industrial design, branding, graphic design, UX/UI design, or similar fields.


Deadline

All entries must be submitted via Submittable by Thursday, October 30, 2025, before 11:59 PM ET.


Learn more and register to participate at www.paveglobal.org/sdc.

 


About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a global confectionery leader known for iconic brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat®, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, Skinny Pop, and many more. Guided by its purpose of making more moments of goodness, Hershey brings sweetness to the world through innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Learn more at www.thehersheycompany.com.


About PAVE Global

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. All proceeds benefit PAVE’s educational programs, enabling students to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. PAVE’s mission is to connect students, educators, and industry professionals through mentorship, inspiration, and financial support. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org.

 

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