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

Eligible Expenses

Grants may be awarded for academic or technical courses, including online programs. The grant can cover education-related expenses such as:

• 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

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 a master's degree or above
• Must be living and studying in the U.S. or Canada for entire course of study
• Must have had at least 24 consecutive months as a 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

Ineligibility Criteria

• PCE grant not to be used for living expenses
• Cannot be used to repay educational loans or personal debt
• Cannot be used in prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program
• Student choosing immediate continuation of education beyond current program not eligible
• Student who has already earned master's degree or above not eligible
• Student enrolled in post-master's certificate or doctoral program not eligible

Application Process

1. Chapter Interview and Sponsorship: Members of local P.E.O. chapter interview student before deciding to sponsor her. Chapter votes and, if successful, recommends student.

2. Executive Office Notification: Following chapter recommendation, P.E.O. Executive Office sends student an online application.

3. Application Submission: Student has 30 days to complete and submit online application.

4. Required Materials:
- Detailed income and expense information
- Financial plan documentation

5. Notification: Both applicant and sponsoring chapter will be notified of decision.

6. Reapplication: If grant is denied due to insufficient financial plan, student can apply again with improved financial plan.

Alternative Pathway

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