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

A need-based grant program providing one-time grants to women in the United States or Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the United States or Canada

Eligible Expenses

Grants may cover education-related expenses including:

• 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

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
• Program Type: Must be enrolled in an accredited certification or degree program from an accredited institution
• Education Level: Must not have already earned a master's degree or above
• Study Location: Must be living and studying in the U.S. or Canada for entire course of study
• Work History: Must have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in adult life
• Program Start: Must have begun educational program if course of study is more than one term
• Program Completion Timeline: Must be within 18 consecutive months of completing educational program
• Employment Outcome: Program must lead to employment or job advancement once concluded
• Sponsorship: Must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter

Ineligibility

• Cannot be used for living expenses
• Cannot be used to repay educational loans or personal debt
• Cannot be used for prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
• Students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program are not eligible
• Students who have already earned a master's degree or above are not eligible
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral programs are not eligible

Contact Information

P.E.O. International Executive Office

• Address: 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312
• Phone: 515-255-3153
• Fax: 515-255-3820

Application Process

1. Chapter Interview & Sponsorship:
   • Members of a local P.E.O. chapter interview student before deciding to sponsor
   • Chapter votes and, if successful, recommends the student
2. Online Application:
   • Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student an online application
   • Student has 30 days to complete and submit application
3. Required Materials:
   • Detailed income and expense information
   • Supporting documentation for financial plan
4. Review & Decision:
   • Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
   • If grant is denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan
5. Alternative Option:
   • If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, can fill out "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form
   • Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation and is not the PCE application