Unlocking Educational Dreams: A Guide to the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund, established in 1949, stands as a testament to the power of education in fostering global understanding and peace. This program provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Rooted in the vision of Franc Roads Elliott, one of P.E.O.’s founders, who advocated for international peace through education, the IPS continues to support women's education, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts their lives and the world.
The Enduring Legacy of the P.E.O. IPS
Since its inception, the IPS has been instrumental in assisting international women pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1951, IPS has also assisted international Cottey College students pursuing degrees. The scholarship embodies the belief that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding. P.E.O. members believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding. The P.E.O. and Canada to foster global peace through education. IPS recipients carry the spirit of P.E.O.
Financial and Community Support
The P.E.O. IPS scholarships offer more than just financial assistance; they provide a supportive community. The P.E.O. IPS scholarships provide more than just financial assistance; a community of P.E.O.s rally behind each scholarship recipient to support them with the loving concern that’s a fundamental part of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Recipients often express surprise at the non-tangible benefits, particularly the invaluable support and encouragement from P.E.O. sisters.
Scholarship Amount and Use
The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs. While the scholarship is based upon demonstrated need, it is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. Applicants are required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet their estimated expenses, such as personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants, and other scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria for the P.E.O. IPS
To be eligible for the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, a woman must meet specific criteria:
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- The student must be from outside the U.S. and Canada. A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible.
- She must be pursuing graduate study in the United States or Canada. Those in a multiple-degree program (e.g., pursuing both an M.D. or Canadian college or university.
- A woman is eligible for consideration for a P.E.O.
- She must be nominated by a local chapter of the P.E.O.
The applications of individuals who satisfy these eligibility criteria will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O.
Nomination and Application Process
The journey to becoming a P.E.O. IPS scholar begins with a nomination:
- Nomination: Applicants are nominated by local P.E.O. chapters. The chapter nomination period is between August 20 and November 20 each year. Members of a local P.E.O. chapter will interview a student before deciding to sponsor her.
- Application: After a chapter submits a nomination, the P.E.O. Executive Office will send the student an online application, which she has 30 days to complete and submit. The nominee is responsible for completing the online application packet and submitting it by the individually designated due date. Each nominee is given 45 days to complete the application.
- Notification: All nominees will be notified of their award status by May 1.
It's crucial to note that the firewalls of educational institutions may block important messages from the P.E.O. system, which could cause severe delays in the application process.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Eligibility Period: September 15-December 15 every year.
- Application Deadline for Enrolled Students: February 1.
Named and Endowed Scholarships
The P.E.O. also offers opportunities for individuals, chapters, or groups to create Named Scholarships or Endowed STAR Scholarships:
- Named Scholarship: A gift of at least $12,500 from an individual, a chapter or group of chapters or a state/provincial/district chapter may become a Named Scholarship upon request of the donor. The donation pays for the entire scholarship for an IPS recipient. The IPS Board of Trustees selects the recipient for the Named Scholarship from the list of students after scholarships have been awarded and accepted. With a Named Scholarship, you can make a special gift to support the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund.
- Endowed STAR Scholarship: An endowed P.E.O. STAR Scholarship may be established in honor or memory of an individual or chapter and is supported by special endowed funds held for the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship by the P.E.O. Foundation. Recipients of endowed scholarships are selected by the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees using the same criteria as for the selection of recipients. The donor or family most often selects the name designation. Income only shall be used for scholarships. When the income from the principal is equivalent to the amount designated for a P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, distribution from this fund will be made. Income shall be accrued until that time. Additional contributions may be added to the principal of this fund. Each scholarship awarded from an endowed fund shall be in the same amount as other P.E.O. Recipients of endowed scholarships shall be advised of this special designation when the formal announcement of the P.E.O. STAR Scholarships is made.
Important Note: A one-time gift of USD $2,500 for a Named Scholarship or establishment of an Endowed STAR Scholarship in honor or memory of an individual or chapter does not ensure a candidate from the chapter will be selected. Read the procedures and general information that guide our decision-making when choosing qualified candidates for a P.E.O.
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Other P.E.O. Programs
Besides the IPS, the P.E.O. offers several other programs to support women's education:
- P.E.O. STAR Scholarship: The newest of the P.E.O. philanthropies, the STAR Scholarship, was established in 2009 to reward outstanding young women for their achievements in and out of the classroom. A named P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a one-time scholarship presented to a graduating high school woman who meets the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship eligibility requirements. This P.E.O. STAR Scholarship may be named in honor or memory of an individual or chapter. Funds to be designated for a named scholarship must be received by the P.E.O. Each named P.E.O. STAR scholarship recipient shall be selected by the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees using the same criteria as for the selection of other recipients. Each named STAR scholarship shall be in the same amount as other P.E.O. Recipient(s) receiving named scholarships shall be advised of this special designation when the formal announcement of P.E.O. STAR Scholarships is made.
- Program for Continuing Education (PCE): PCE provides one-time grants with a maximum award of $4,000. Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Following the chapter recommendation, the P.E.O. Executive Office will send the student an online application, which she has 30 days to complete and submit. Both the applicant and sponsoring chapter will be notified of the decision. If you are interested in the Program for Continuing Education grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, fill out the Information for Potential PCE Sponsorship form.
- Educational Loan Fund (ELF): The P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund makes loans available to qualified women who desire a higher education and are in need of financial assistance. All applicants are recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter. Next, the P.E.O. The Educational Loan Fund trustees then review the application. The chapter and student will be notified of the trustees' decision regarding the loan application. If you are interested in the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund but do not know a P.E.O. member, fill out the ELF Eligibility Form.
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