PAVE Global Opens Applications for Spring 2026 Student Aid Program

$1,000 grants available to full-time college-level design and architecture students worldwide

PAVE Global has opened applications for its Spring 2026 Student Aid Program, providing $1,000 financial assistance grants to full-time college students enrolled in design or architecture degree programs. The program supports students facing unforeseen financial circumstances that may impact their ability to continue their education.

Funds may be used to help cover essential living and educational expenses, including housing, food, utilities, transportation, medical costs, tuition-related fees, and required course materials.

The PAVE Global Student Aid Program has become a critical safety net for students navigating financial hardship. In Spring 2025, PAVE Global awarded $30,000 in Student Aid Grants to 30 college-level design and architecture students worldwide, doubling the original number of planned awards. Each recipient received a $1,000 grant to support essential living and educational expenses.

“Financial hardship can quickly disrupt a student’s academic path,” said Dash Nagel, Executive Director of PAVE Global. “This program is designed to provide meaningful support at critical moments so students can continue pursuing their education and future careers in design.”

Eligibility Guidelines

To be eligible, applicants must be full-time college students enrolled in a design or architecture degree program, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale), and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (or the full-time equivalent based on their program’s requirements).

Application Requirements

Applications focus on understanding each student’s situation and intended use of funds.

Submissions must include:

• Letter of Explanation (500 words max) describing the student’s current financial challenges, how the assistance would be used, and their educational and career goals in design or architecture

• Work Sample (2–3 pages max) featuring highlights of the applicant’s most recent individual design work.

• Current transcript (official or unofficial)

Both merit and need-based criteria are considered during review. Applications are evaluated by a panel of volunteer industry professionals, and awards are distributed confidentially to protect student privacy.

Applications for the Spring 2026 Student Aid Program are now open, with a submission deadline of April 20, 2026. Full details and the application link are available at www.paveglobal.org/student-aid.

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About PAVE Global

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to connecting design students, educators, and industry professionals worldwide. Through financial assistance, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, PAVE Global helps students build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org