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.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Focus Areas: Academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the U.S. or Canada

Eligible Education Expenses

Grants can cover:

• 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

What 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

Applicants must:

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

Not Eligible:

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

Contact Information

P.E.O. International Executive Office

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

Application Process

1. Chapter Sponsorship Phase:
- Members of a local P.E.O. chapter interview the student
- Chapter votes and, if successful, recommends/sponsors the student

2. Online Application Submission:
- Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student online application
- Student has 30 days to complete and submit application

3. Required Materials:
- Detailed income and expense information
- Financial planning documentation

4. Award Notification:
- Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
- If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan

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