Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

Purpose: 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.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Eligible Programs: Academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the United States or Canada

Eligible Education-Related Expenses

• 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 educational program
• Equipment/tools necessary for course of study

Eligibility Requirements

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

Ineligible Uses

• Living expenses
• Repayment of educational loans or personal debt
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
• Students choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program
• Students who have already earned master's degree or above
• Students enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral programs

Application Process

1. Chapter Interview: Members of local P.E.O. chapter will interview student before deciding to sponsor her
2. Chapter Vote and Recommendation: Chapter votes; if successful, formally recommends the student
3. Online Application: Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student online application
4. Timeline: Student has 30 days to complete and submit application
5. Application Materials Required:
   • Detailed income and expense information
   • Financial plan documentation
   • Personal and educational background information
6. Submission: Online application portal
7. Decision Notification: Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
8. Reapplication Option: If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan

Finding a Sponsor

If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, complete the Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship form. Note: Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation for grant and is not the PCE application itself.