P.E.O. Scholar Awards

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Status: Active program established in 1991

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Merit-based awards for women pursuing doctoral-level degrees in 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.

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

Award Details: The program provides substantial merit-based awards with a maximum award amount of $25,000.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
• Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at the time of nomination
• Must have at minimum a bachelor's degree
• Must be within two years of bachelor's degree graduation date
• Must have at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (as 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 from that date
• Must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university
• Study abroad is permitted provided student is enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution
• Evaluated on nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection

Selection Criteria

The Scholar Awards Board of Trustees evaluates applicants 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: It is often better to apply further into the doctoral program when evidence of achievement is more complete.

Endowed and Named Scholar Awards

Endowed Scholar Award: A designated honor award presented to a top scholar and supported by special endowed funds held by the P.E.O. Foundation. The principal of each endowed fund provides interest for award funding. Endowed scholars are notified after June 1.

Named Scholar Award: A gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to the amount of an award for that academic year. Top scholars are selected by the board of trustees from among all P.E.O. Scholar Awards for that year. Named scholars are notified after June 1.

Contact

P.E.O. International

Address: 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312

Phone: 515-255-3153

Fax: 515-255-3820

Application Process

1. Chapter Nomination Phase: Applicants are nominated by local P.E.O. chapters between August 20 and November 20 each year

2. After Chapter Submission: The P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant instructions and a link to an online application

3. Online Application Deadline: Nominee is responsible for completing the online application packet and submitting it by individually designated due date (each nominee is given 45 days to complete)

4. Application Components:
- 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 (publications, presentations, patents, performances, etc.)
- Academic awards and honors information
- Academic records
- Career objectives
- Personal and biographical information

5. Award Notification: All nominees are notified of award status by May 1

6. Conditions of Acceptance: Prospective scholars must agree to certain conditions of acceptance (see policies and procedures for full details)

Timeline for Nominations

| Nomination Year (Fall) | Academic Year Applying For | 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 |