P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA)

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

A merit-based award program established in 1991 to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Any doctoral-level field of study 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, public health, orthopedics, and many others.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at time of nomination
• Education: Must have at minimum a bachelor's degree
• Program Stage: Must be within two years of bachelor's degree graduation and have at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (as measured from August 1 when first award payment is made). Those in multiple-degree programs must be within two years of completing the entire program.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Study abroad is permitted if enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian institution.
• Nomination: Must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter

Selection Criteria

• Nominee's proposal and potential to make significant contributions in her 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

Award Types

• Endowed Scholar Award: Designated honor award supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation
• Named Scholar Award: Gift or bequest equal to award amount for that academic year

Contact Information

• Address: 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312
• Phone: 515-255-3153
• Fax: 515-255-3820

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase:
- Local P.E.O. chapters submit nominations between August 20 and November 20 each year

2. Application Phase:
- After chapter submission of nomination, P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant with instructions and link to online application
- Nominee has 45 days from receiving email to complete application
- Each nominee receives an individually designated due date

3. Required Materials:
- Information about research or essay about the significance of applicant's chosen field
- Three letters of recommendation
- Evidence of scholarly activities
- Academic awards documentation
- Academic records
- Career objectives

4. Notification:
- All nominees notified of award status by May 1
- Prospective scholars must agree to certain conditions of acceptance

Nomination and Academic Year Timeline

• 2026 Nominations: 2027-2028 Academic Year (Nominee graduation 4/2028 - 8/2029)
• 2027 Nominations: 2028-2029 Academic Year (Nominee graduation 4/2029 - 8/2030)
• 2028 Nominations: 2029-2030 Academic Year (Nominee graduation 4/2030 - 8/2031)
• 2029 Nominations: 2030-2031 Academic Year (Nominee graduation 4/2031 - 8/2032)