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

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

Purpose: Provides need-based grants to women in the United States or Canada whose education has been interrupted and who need to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Award Details:

• One-time grant with maximum award of $4,000
• May be awarded for academic or technical courses, including online programs
• Can cover education-related expenses: tuition, books, supplies, testing and graduation fees, transportation (estimated gas, parking, local bus fare only—not auto loans/maintenance), childcare (only while in class or studying), uniforms required by program, equipment/tools necessary for study

Eligibility:

• Recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter
• Citizen or legal permanent resident of U.S. or Canada
• Enrolled in accredited certification or degree program from accredited institution
• Has not already earned a master's degree or above
• Living and studying in U.S. or Canada for entire course of study
• Had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in adult life
• Has begun educational program if course of study is more than one term
• Within 18 consecutive months of completing educational program
• Enrolled in education program which, once concluded, will lead to employment or job advancement

What PCE Does Not Fund:

• Living expenses
• Repayment of educational loans or personal debt
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
• Students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program
• Students who have already earned master's degree or above
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral programs

Application Process

Steps:

1. Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student
2. Local chapter votes on sponsorship
3. If successful, chapter recommends student
4. Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student online application
5. Student has 30 days to complete and submit application
6. Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
7. If denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can reapply with improved plan

Required Materials:

• Detailed income and expense information
• Information about educational program
• Financial documentation supporting need

Alternative Option:
If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member: complete "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form (does not guarantee recommendation and is not the PCE application)