Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

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

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Maximum Award: $4,000 (one-time grant)

Purpose: Provides need-based grants to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

Program Details

• One-time grants with maximum award of $4,000
• Grants available for academic or technical courses, including online programs from U.S. or Canadian educational institutions
• Grant can cover education-related expenses including:
  • Tuition
  • Books and supplies
  • Testing and graduation fees
  • Transportation (estimated cost of gas, parking, local bus fare only - NOT auto loan payments or maintenance)
  • Childcare (only while in class or studying)
  • Uniforms required by educational program
  • Equipment/tools necessary for course of study

What PCE Grants Cannot Cover

• Living expenses
• Repayment of educational loans or personal debt
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program of study

Eligibility Requirements

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

Ineligible Applicants

• Students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program for which grant is requested
• Students who have already earned master's degree or above
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral program

Application Process

1. Chapter Interview and Sponsorship: Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student before deciding to sponsor her. Chapter takes a vote; if successful, recommends the student.
2. Application Distribution: Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student an online application
3. Application Submission: Student has 30 days to complete and submit application
4. Required Materials:
   • Detailed Income and Expense information
   • Application content determined by system
5. Decision Notification: Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
6. Reapplication Option: If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan

For Those Without P.E.O. Connection

If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member:

• Fill out "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form
• Completing this form does NOT guarantee recommendation for grant
• This form is NOT the PCE application