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

Purpose: Need-based grants for 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:

• Maximum award: $4,000 (one-time grant)
• Based on demonstrated need
• Can be used for academic or technical courses, including online programs from accredited institutions

Eligible Education 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 Eligible For:

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

Eligibility Requirements:

• Recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
• Citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States 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
• Educational program will lead to employment or job advancement upon completion

Not Eligible:

• Students who have already earned a master's degree or above
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral programs

Application Process

Step 1 - Chapter Sponsorship:

1. Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student
2. Chapter takes a vote
3. If successful, chapter recommends student

Step 2 - Online Application:

1. Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student online application
2. Student has 30 days to complete and submit
3. Application includes detailed income and expense information

Step 3 - Decision and Appeal:

• Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
• If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan

Alternative Option:

• If interested in PCE grant but don't know a P.E.O. member, fill out the Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship form
• Note: Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation and is not the PCE application itself