P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA)

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Overview: 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

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