Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

Program Type: Need-based grant for women returning to education

Overview:
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) provides need-based grants to women in the United States or Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families. All applicants are sponsored by a local P.E.O. chapter.

Award: One-time grants with a maximum of $4,000

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Grant Coverage:
Grants may be awarded for academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the United States or Canada. The grant can cover education-related expenses such as:

• Tuition
• Books and supplies
• Testing and graduation fees
• Transportation (estimated cost of gas, parking and local bus fare only—not auto loan payments or maintenance)
• Childcare (only while in class or studying)
• Uniforms required by the educational program
• Equipment/tools necessary for the course of study

What PCE Does NOT Fund:

• Living expenses
• Repayment of educational loans or personal debt
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program of study
• Studies for students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond the current program

Eligibility Requirements

A woman is eligible for consideration for a Program for Continuing Education grant if she:

• Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
• Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
• Is enrolled in an accredited certification or degree program from an accredited institution
• Has not already earned a master's degree or above
• Is living and studying in the U.S. or Canada for the entire course of study
• Has had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in her adult life
• Has begun her educational program if the course of study is more than one term
• Is within 18 consecutive months of completing her educational program
• Is enrolled in an education program which, once concluded, will lead to employment or job advancement

Ineligible Applicants:

• Students who are enrolled in a post-master's certificate or doctoral program
• Students who have already earned a master's degree or above
• Students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond the current program

Application Process

1. Chapter Interview: Members of a local P.E.O. chapter will interview a student before deciding to sponsor her
2. Chapter Vote and Recommendation: Chapter votes and, if successful, recommends the student
3. Online Application: Following chapter recommendation, the P.E.O. Executive Office sends the student an online application, which she has 30 days to complete and submit
4. Required Materials:
   • Detailed income and expense information
   • Financial documentation supporting need-based request
5. Decision Notification: Both applicant and sponsoring chapter are notified of the decision
6. Reapplication Option: If grant is denied due to insufficient financial plan, the student can apply again with an improved financial plan

Assistance for Non-Members

If interested in the Program for Continuing Education grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, applicants can fill out the "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form. However, completing this form does not guarantee recommendation for a grant and is not the PCE application.