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P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA)

PEO Sisterhood OK State Chapter

Foundation Annual Grants for WomenGrants for EducationGrants for Science Research
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Funding Amount

Up to $25,000

Deadline

November 20, 2026

224 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Purpose: 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 only

Eligibility:

  • 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 bachelor's degree graduation

  • At least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (as of August 1 when first payment is made)

  • 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

  • Evaluated on nondiscriminatory basis (race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, P.E.O. connection not considered)

    • Selection Criteria:

  • Proposal's potential to make significant contributions in field 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 and career objectives

    • Award Types:

  • Endowed Scholar Award: Top scholar supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation; donor/family selects name designation

  • Named Scholar Award: Gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to award amount; donor selects name designation

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

    Background: Established in 1991 to recognize and encourage academic excellence. Scholars have pursued 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, and public health.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Nomination Timeline:

  • Chapter nomination period: August 20 - November 20 each year

  • Applicant notification of award status: by May 1

    • Steps:
    1. Local P.E.O. chapter nominates qualified candidate between August 20 and November 20
    2. P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant with instructions and online application link
    3. Nominee has 45 days to complete online application packet
    4. Nominee submits by individually designated due date
    5. Award notification sent by May 1
    6. Prospective scholars must agree to conditions of acceptance

    Required Materials:

  • Information about research or essay on significance of applicant's chosen field

  • Three letters of recommendation (from university professors or professional mentors)

  • Evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances)

  • Academic awards and honors documentation

  • Official academic records

  • Career objectives statement

    • Nomination Dates for Future Years:

  • Fall 2026 nomination: for 2027-2028 academic year (graduation 4/2028-8/2029)

  • Fall 2027 nomination: for 2028-2029 academic year (graduation 4/2029-8/2030)

  • Fall 2028 nomination: for 2029-2030 academic year (graduation 4/2030-8/2031)

  • Fall 2029 nomination: for 2030-2031 academic year (graduation 4/2031-8/2032)

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    womeneducationscience-research

    Categories

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