P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Need-based grants for women whose education has been interrupted and who need to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

Program Description: Provides one-time, need-based grants to women to pursue academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the U.S. or Canada.

Eligible Expenses

• Tuition
• Books and supplies
• Testing and graduation fees
• Transportation (estimated cost of gas, parking, and local bus fare only—not auto loan payments or maintenance)
• Childcare (only while in class or studying)
• Uniforms required by educational program
• Equipment/tools necessary for course of study

Not Covered

• Living expenses
• Educational loan repayment
• Personal debt repayment
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
• Immediate continuation education beyond current program

Eligibility Requirements

• Sponsorship: Must be recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
• Citizenship: U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident
• Program Enrollment: Enrolled in accredited certification or degree program from accredited institution
• Education Level: Has not already earned a master's degree or above
• Location: Living and studying in U.S. or Canada for entire course of study
• Work History: Had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in adult life
• Program Start: Has begun educational program if course of study is more than one term
• Timeline: Within 18 consecutive months of completing educational program
• Career Focus: Enrolled in education program which, once concluded, will lead to employment or job advancement

Ineligible Applicants

• Students already holding master's degree or above
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral program
• Students choosing immediate continuation beyond current program

Application Process

1. Local Chapter Interview: Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student before deciding to sponsor her
2. Chapter Recommendation: Chapter takes vote and recommends student if approved
3. Online Application: P.E.O. Executive Office sends student online application after chapter recommendation
4. Application Submission: Student has 30 days to complete and submit online application
5. Decision Notification: Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
6. Reapplication Option: If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan

Required Application Materials

• Detailed income and expense information
• Evidence of chapter recommendation
• Information supporting employment/job advancement goals

For Non-Members

If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, complete the "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form. Note: Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation for grant and is not the PCE application itself.