P.E.O. International Scholar Awards
Scholarship Sponsored by Philanthropic Educational Organization International
Scholar Award Overview
The Scholar Award is a one-time, competitive, merit-based award that recognizes and encourages academic excellence among women enrolled in doctoral-level programs. It provides partial support for study and research to candidates who demonstrate potential for significant contributions in their fields. All applicants must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter. Awards are intended to both acknowledge past achievement and enable continued scholarly work.
Description: A merit-based award for women in doctoral programs, funded to support research or study and granted through chapter nomination.
- One-time, competitive award for doctoral-level women candidates.
- Chapter nomination is required; funding supports research/study.
- Aims to recognize achievement and enable future contributions.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is limited to women who meet academic, residency, and enrollment criteria and who are nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter. Candidates must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada and must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be within two years of their graduation date with at least one full academic year remaining at the time of the first payment and must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution (study abroad permitted if enrolled in the home institution).
Eligibility: Nomination by a local P.E.O. chapter; U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status; minimum bachelor’s degree; within two years of program completion with one academic year remaining; enrollment at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university.
- Nomination by a local P.E.O. chapter is mandatory.
- Must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Degree and enrollment timing requirements apply (see eligibility details).
Selection Criteria
The Scholar Awards Board of Trustees evaluates nominees based on the strength and significance of their proposal, evidence of scholarly activity, academic record, recommendations, and career objectives. The assessment emphasizes an applicant’s potential to make significant contributions to her field or to society. Recommendations from three university professors or professional mentors are required. Applicants are encouraged to apply at a stage in their doctoral program when evidence of achievement is more complete.
Selection Criteria: Evaluation focuses on the proposal, scholarly record, academic achievements, professional recommendations, and demonstrated potential for impact.
- Proposal quality and significance are critical factors.
- Scholarly activities and academic record are closely reviewed.
- Three professional recommendations are required.
Application Process
Applications begin with nomination by a local P.E.O. chapter; chapters nominate between August 20 and the annual November deadline. After nomination, the P.E.O. Executive Office sends the applicant instructions and a link to an online application. Nominees have 45 days from their individually designated due date to complete the online packet. Award notifications are issued by May 1, and accepted scholars must agree to specified conditions of acceptance.
Application Timeline: Chapter nomination period runs from August 20 to the November deadline; nominees receive an online application and have 45 days to submit; award notifications are sent by May 1.
Application Requirements: The application packet includes a research statement or essay on the field’s significance, three letters of recommendation, evidence of scholarly activities and awards, academic records, and career objectives.
- Chapter nomination triggers the application process; chapters nominate during the August–November window.
- Nominees complete an online packet within a 45-day window.
- Award decisions are communicated by May 1; acceptance includes conditions to be met.