P.E.O. International Scholar Awards

Scholarship Sponsored by Philanthropic Educational Organization International

Overview

Description: 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 financial support for study and research to candidates who are expected to make significant contributions in their fields. All applicants must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter. The program emphasizes scholarly achievement and potential impact on society.

• One-time, merit-based award for doctoral-level women students.
• Supports study and research; intended to advance scholarly impact.
• All nominees are submitted by local P.E.O. chapters.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Candidates must be nominated by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident at time of nomination. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and be within two years of their graduation date, with at least one full academic year remaining in the doctoral program as measured from the first award payment date (August 1). Those in combined programs (for example, M.D./Ph.D.) must be within two years of completing the entire program. Nominees must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university; study abroad is permitted if the student remains enrolled at a U.S. or Canadian institution. Applications are evaluated without discrimination based on race, age, national origin, religion, disability, or P.E.O. connection.

• Nomination by a local P.E.O. chapter is required.
• Must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident at nomination.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and near completion of doctoral studies (within two years).
• Enrollment at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution is required; study abroad allowed if enrollment is maintained.

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria: The Scholar Awards Board of Trustees assesses applications primarily on the nominee’s proposal and demonstrated potential to make significant contributions in her field or to society. Evaluators also consider recommendations from three university professors or professional mentors, evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances), academic awards and honors, the academic record, and stated career objectives. Strong, documented achievements and clear career plans strengthen an application. Applicants further into their doctoral program often present a more complete record of scholarly accomplishment.

• Evaluation centers on the research proposal and potential impact.
• Requires three recommendations from professors or professional mentors.
• Scholarly outputs and academic honors are important supporting evidence.
• Academic record and career objectives are also considered.

Application Timeline

Application Timeline: Local P.E.O. chapters may nominate candidates between August 20 and November 20 each year. After a chapter submits a nomination, the P.E.O. Executive Office sends the nominee instructions and a link to an online application; each nominee then has 45 days from her individual due date to complete the packet. The application requires a research statement or essay, three letters of recommendation, documentation of scholarly activities and awards, academic records, and career objectives. Award notifications are issued by May 1, and recipients must agree to conditions of acceptance as specified in the program policies.

• Chapter nomination window: August 20–November 20.
• Nominee receives online instructions and a unique due date; 45 days to complete the application.
• Application materials include proposal/essay, three recommendations, and supporting documentation.
• Award status notifications are provided by May 1; acceptance requires agreement to program conditions.