PAVE's 2011 Helping Hand Fund grants will enable FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the Savannah College of Art and Design to enhance their programs with technology. Created in 2008 by the Planning and Visual Education partnership (PAVE), the Helping Hand Fund provides grants to accredited educational institutions to enhance the quality of programs and services for students entering into careers in the retail design and planning, visual merchandising, and interior design industries.

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was awarded $10,000 to add a Workroom Technology Station to its newly acquired Visual Communications Studio on the San Francisco campus. With 12 pieces of equipment, the station will support the creative process for an estimated 250 students per year by improving the efficiency of students' design processes, follow-through, and overall learning experience.

Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta was awarded $5,000 to create an iPad lab benefitting 145 students per year. The lab will be available for professors to check out for a studio class. Students and faculty will use the devices throughout the creative design process to conduct research, diagram, sketch, and create presentations.

Award decisions were made by a PAVE Board task force. Grant applicants were required to have had at least three students participate in PAVE's 2011 Student Design Competition, sponsored by Sephora, or the 2011-12 PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge, sponsored by B+N Industries.