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.

Contact

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