P.E.O. Scholar Awards

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Overview: Established in 1991, the P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) provide substantial merit-based awards for women pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Maximum Award: Up to $25,000

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Supports women in doctoral-level programs across diverse fields including medicine, nursing, microbiology, immunology, English, rhetoric, composition, neuroscience, psychology, creative writing, physics, ecology, geography, biochemistry, aerospace engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, astrophysics, veterinary medicine, chronic disease epidemiology, history, engineering, anthropology, political science, urban planning, chemical engineering, environmental science, conservation, music, public health, orthopedics and more.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter

Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at time of nomination

Have at minimum a bachelor's degree

Be within two years of graduation from their bachelor's degree

Have at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete the doctoral-level degree (as measured from August 1 when first award payment is made)

Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university

For multiple-degree programs (e.g., M.D. and Ph.D.), must be within two years of completing the entire program

Study abroad is permitted provided student is enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution

Selection Criteria:

Nominee's proposal potential to make significant contributions in field(s) of endeavor or positive impact on society

Recommendations from three university professors or professional mentors

Evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances, etc.)

Academic awards and honors (honor societies, scholarships, etc.)

Academic record

Career objectives

Non-discrimination: Applications evaluated without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection.

Types of Awards

Endowed Scholar Awards: Designated honor awards presented to top scholars supported by special endowed funds held by the P.E.O. Foundation. Donor or family selects name designation. Principal of each endowed fund provides interest for funding.

Named Scholar Awards: Gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to the amount of an award for that academic year. Donor selects name designation. Top scholars selected by board of trustees from among all awardees.

Contact Information

P.E.O. International Executive Office

Address: 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312

Phone: 515-255-3153

Fax: 515-255-3820

Email: fdn@peodsm.org