P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Doctoral-level degree programs in any field of study including medicine, nursing, microbiology, immunology, English, rhetoric, composition, neuroscience, psychology, creative writing, physics, ecology, geography, biochemistry, aerospace engineering, veterinary medicine, history, engineering, anthropology, political science, urban planning, chemical engineering, environmental science, conservation, music, public health, and many others.

Program Description: Substantial merit-based awards recognizing and encouraging academic excellence and achievement by women pursuing doctoral-level degrees. Awards provide partial support for study and research for women who will make significant contributions in their varied fields of endeavor.

Eligibility Requirements

• Nomination: Must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
• Citizenship: U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident at time of nomination
• Education: Bachelor's degree minimum, within two years of graduation date
• Program Status: At least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (from August 1 first award payment date). Multiple-degree program participants must be within two years of completing entire program.
• Enrollment: Enrolled in accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Study abroad permitted if enrolled in U.S. or Canadian institution.
• Non-discrimination: Applications evaluated without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection.

Selection Criteria

Applicants evaluated on:

• Nominee's proposal and 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

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

Award Types

Endowed Scholar: Designated honor award supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation. Donor or family selects name designation. Principal of endowed fund provides interest for funding.

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

Application Process

1. Nomination by Local Chapter: Chapter nomination period is August 20 - November 20 each year
2. Applicant Notification: After chapter submission, P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant instructions and online application link
3. Application Completion: Nominee has 45 days to complete online application packet
4. Submission: Submit by individually designated due date on application form
5. Award Notification: All nominees notified of award status by May 1

Required Application Materials

• Information about research or essay about significance of applicant's chosen field
• Three letters of recommendation (from university professors or professional mentors)
• Evidence of scholarly activities
• Academic awards and honors documentation
• Academic records
• Career objectives statement

Nomination Timeline

| Fall Year | Academic Year | Nominee Graduation Date Range |
|-----------|---------------|------------------------------|
| 2026 | 2027-2028 | 4/2028 - 8/2029 |
| 2027 | 2028-2029 | 4/2029 - 8/2030 |
| 2028 | 2029-2030 | 4/2030 - 8/2031 |
| 2029 | 2030-2031 | 4/2031 - 8/2032 |