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

Eligible Expenses

Grants can cover:

• 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

What PCE Grants Cannot Cover

• Living expenses
• Educational loan repayment
• Personal debt repayment
• Prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program

Eligibility Requirements

• 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

What Makes You Ineligible

• 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

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

For Students Without P.E.O. Connection

• 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