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

Award Type: Merit-based, competitive, one-time awards (may be multiple awards per cycle)

Focus Areas: All doctoral fields of study including medicine, nursing, microbiology, immunology, English, neuroscience, psychology, physics, aerospace engineering, veterinary medicine, history, engineering, music, public health, and many others.

Eligibility Requirements

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

Applicants evaluated 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)
• Academic awards and honors (honor societies, scholarships)
• Academic record
• Career objectives

Special Designations

Endowed Scholar Award: Designated honor award supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation. Donors or families select name designation. Principal of fund provides interest for award funding. Notified after June 1.

Named Scholar Award: Gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to award amount. Donor selects name designation. Top scholars selected as recipients from all PSA awards for that year. Notified after June 1.

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase (August 20 - November 20 annually)
   • Local P.E.O. chapters nominate applicants
   • Chapter submits nomination during designated period
2. Application Phase
   • P.E.O. Executive Office emails nominated applicant with instructions and online application link
   • Nominee has 45 days to complete and submit online application
   • Individually designated due date provided on application form
3. Required Application Materials
   • 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
   • Academic awards and honors documentation
   • Academic records/transcripts
   • Career objectives statement
4. Award Notification
   • All nominees notified of award status by May 1
   • Special certificates prepared and sent to awardees with letter from chair of board of trustees
   • Donor contact of endowed funds notified by letter announcing recipient
5. Conditions of Acceptance
   • Prospective scholars must agree to certain conditions of acceptance (see full policies and procedures for details)

Nomination Dates Schedule

| Fall Nomination Year | 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 |