P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA)

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Purpose: Established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Recognizes and encourages academic excellence and achievement in doctoral-level programs across various fields 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, and public health.

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 time of nomination
• Must have at minimum a bachelor's degree
• Must be within two years of graduation date
• Must have at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (measured from August 1 payment date)
• For multiple-degree programs (e.g., M.D. and Ph.D.), must be within two years of completing entire program
• Must be enrolled in accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university
• Study abroad permitted if enrolled in U.S. or Canadian institution
• Applications evaluated on nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection

Selection Criteria

• Nominee's proposal and potential to make significant contributions in field(s) 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 and career objectives

Nomination Timeline

• Chapter nomination period: August 20 - November 20 annually
• Notification of award status: By May 1

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase: Applicants are nominated by local P.E.O. chapters during the annual nomination period (August 20 - November 20)

2. Instructions Distribution: After chapter submission, P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant with instructions and link to online application

3. Applicant Completion: Nominee is responsible for completing online application packet

4. Timeline: Each nominee given 45 days to complete application; individual due date appears on application form

5. Application Materials Required:
- Information about research or essay about significance of chosen field
- Three letters of recommendation from university professors or professional mentors
- Evidence of scholarly activities
- Academic awards and honors documentation
- Official academic records
- Career objectives statement
- Other supporting documentation as specified

6. Submission: Online submission through designated application portal

7. Notification: All nominees notified of award status by May 1

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