P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Purpose: Merit-based awards to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. or Canada.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Award Details:

• Maximum award amount: $25,000
• One-time, competitive, merit-based award
• Provides partial support for study and research for women who will make significant contributions in their fields

Eligibility Requirements:

• Nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
• Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at time of nomination
• Minimum bachelor's degree
• Within two years of graduation date with at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (measured from August 1 first award payment)
• Multiple-degree program applicants 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

Selection Criteria:

• 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

Note: Application is often stronger when submitted further into doctoral program when evidence of achievement is more complete.

Evaluation: Nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection

Fields of Study: 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

Application Process

Timeline:
1. Local chapter nomination period: August 20 - November 20 each year
2. Chapter submits nomination
3. P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant with instructions and application link
4. Nominee has 45 days to complete online application
5. All nominees notified of award status by May 1

Application Requirements:

Online application packet including:

- 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
- Awards and academic honors
- Academic records
- Career objectives

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

Nomination Dates Schedule:

Chapter nomination in Fall 2026 → Academic Year 2027-2028 → Nominee graduation 4/2028-8/2029

Chapter nomination in Fall 2027 → Academic Year 2028-2029 → Nominee graduation 4/2029-8/2030

Chapter nomination in Fall 2028 → Academic Year 2029-2030 → Nominee graduation 4/2030-8/2031

Chapter nomination in Fall 2029 → Academic Year 2030-2031 → Nominee graduation 4/2031-8/2032