P.E.O. Scholar Awards

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Program Type: Merit-based award for doctoral-level study

Overview:
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) were established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. The program recognizes and encourages academic excellence and achievement by providing partial support for study and research for women who have the potential to make significant contributions in their varied fields of endeavor.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas:
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 many other doctoral fields.

Eligibility Requirements

A woman is eligible for consideration if she:
• Is nominated by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
• Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at the time of nomination
• Has a bachelor's degree at minimum
• Is within two years of her graduation date
• Has at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete her doctoral-level degree (measured from August 1 when first award payment is made)
• For multiple-degree programs (e.g., M.D./Ph.D.), must be within two years of completing the entire program
• Is enrolled in her program at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university
• Study abroad is permitted if enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution

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

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on:
• Nominee's proposal and potential to make significant contributions in her field(s) 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

Note: It is often better to apply further into the doctoral program when evidence of achievement is more complete.

Awards

• Maximum Award: $25,000
• Endowed Scholar Awards: Designated honor awards presented to top scholars, supported by special endowed funds held by the P.E.O. Foundation
• Named Scholar Awards: Gifts or bequests by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to the amount of an award for that academic year
• Notification: All nominees notified of award status by May 1

Contact

P.E.O. Executive Office 3700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Phone: 515-255-3153 Fax: 515-255-3820