Program for Continuing Education (PCE)
Funding Amount
Up to $4,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
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
Award Type: Need-based grants (one-time)
Maximum Award Amount: $4,000 per grant
Eligible Programs: Academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the U.S. or Canada
- Tuition
- Books and supplies
- Testing and graduation fees
- Transportation (estimated cost of gas, parking, and local bus fare only — NOT for auto loan payments or maintenance)
- Childcare (only while in class or studying)
- Uniforms required by educational program
- Equipment/tools necessary for course of study
Eligible Expenses
Grants can cover:- Living expenses
- Educational loan repayment
- Personal debt repayment
- Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
What PCE Grants Cannot Cover
- Recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
- Citizen or legal permanent resident of United States or Canada
- 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 a 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
Eligibility Requirements
- Already earned a master's degree or above
- Enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral program
- Choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program for which grant is requested
What Makes You Ineligible
Contact
P.E.O. Executive Office 3700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Phone: 515-255-3153 Fax: 515-255-3820How to Apply
Application Process
1. Local Chapter Sponsorship
- Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student before deciding to sponsor her
- Chapter takes a vote; if successful, chapter recommends 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
- Timeline: 30 days to complete
3. Required Application Materials
- Detailed income and expense information
- Financial plan demonstrating how grant will support education goals
4. Award Notification
- Both applicant and sponsoring chapter notified of decision
5. Appeals/Reapplication
- If grant denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan
- If interested in PCE grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, can fill out "Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship" form
- Completing this form does NOT guarantee recommendation for grant
- Form is NOT the PCE application itself
For Students Without P.E.O. Connection
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