P.E.O. Scholar Awards

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.

Contact Information

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