P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Program Type: Merit-based award for women pursuing doctoral-level degrees

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Established: 1991

Purpose: To recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs, providing partial support for study and research for women who will make significant contributions in their varied fields of endeavor.

Eligibility Requirements

• Nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
• U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident at time of nomination
• Minimum bachelor's degree required
• Within two years of bachelor's degree graduation
• At least one full academic year of doctoral work remaining (measured from first award payment on August 1)
• For multiple-degree programs (e.g., M.D./Ph.D.), must be within two years of completing entire program
• Enrolled in accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university
• Study abroad permitted if enrolled in U.S. or Canadian institution
• Nondiscriminatory evaluation regardless of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, or P.E.O. connection

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

Fields of Study

Scholars have pursued various 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 many more.

Award Types

Endowed Scholar Award: Designated honor award supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation. Donors typically select name designation. Award funded from fund principal interest.

Named Scholar Award: Gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to amount of award for academic year. Donor typically selects name designation.

Application Process

1. Chapter Nomination: Applicants are nominated by local P.E.O. chapters between August 20 and November 20 each year
2. Notification and Login: After chapter submission, P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant instructions and link to online application
3. Application Timeline: Nominee has 45 days to complete online application packet; individual due date appears on application form
4. Required Materials:
   • Information about research or essay about significance of chosen field
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • Evidence of scholarly activities
   • Awards and honors documentation
   • Academic records
   • Career objectives
5. Decision Notification: All nominees notified of award status by May 1
6. Conditions of Acceptance: Prospective scholars must agree to certain conditions of acceptance (see full policies and procedures)

Nomination Schedule

| Chapter Nomination (Fall) | Academic Year | Nominee Graduation Date |
|---------------------------|---------------|------------------------|
| 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 |