P.E.O. Scholar Awards

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

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase:
- Local P.E.O. chapter nominating period: August 20 - November 20 each year
- Applicants are nominated by local P.E.O. chapters

2. Application Submission:
- After chapter submission of nomination, P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant instructions and link to online application
- Applicant has 45 days to complete the application from the date they receive the link
- Individual due date appears on applicant's application form

3. Required Materials:
- Information about research or essay about significance of chosen field
- Three letters of recommendation from university professors or professional mentors
- Evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances, etc.)
- Awards and academic honors documentation
- Academic records
- Career objectives

4. Award Notification:
- All nominees notified of award status by May 1
- Endowed and Named scholars notified of special distinction after June 1
- Special certificates prepared and sent to awardees with letter from chair of board of trustees
- Donor contact also notified

5. Conditions of Acceptance:
- Prospective scholars must agree to certain conditions of acceptance
- See full policies and procedures for details