Details About the Grant

PCE provides one-time grants with a maximum award of $4,000. Grants may be awarded for academic or technical courses, including online programs offered by educational institutions in the United States or Canada.

The grant can cover education related expenses such as:

  • Tuition
  • Books, supplies
  • Testing and graduation fees
  • Transportation (only for estimated cost of gas, parking and local bus fare,
    not for auto loan payments or maintenance)
  • Childcare (only while in class or studying)
  • Uniforms required by the educational program
  • Equipment/tools necessary for the course of study

Eligibility Requirements

A woman is eligible for consideration for a Program for Continuing Education grant if she:

  • Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
  • Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
  • Is enrolled in a certification or degree program from an accredited institution; has not already earned a master's degree or above
  • Is living and studying in the U.S. or Canada for the entire course of study
  • Has had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in her adult life
  • Is within 18 consecutive months of completing her educational program
  • Is enrolled in an education program which, once concluded, will lead to employment or job advancement

Please note:

  • A PCE grant is not to be used for living expenses or to repay educational loans or personal debt.
  • The grant cannot be used in prerequisite courses needed to secure admission into another program of study.
  • A student who is choosing immediate continuation of her education beyond the current program for which the grant is requested is not eligible
  • A student who has already earned a master's degree or above is not eligible.
  • A student who is enrolled in a post-master’s certificate or doctoral program is not eligible.

Application Process

Members of a local P.E.O. chapter will interview a student before deciding to sponsor her. They will then take a vote and, if successful, recommend the student.

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.The application will include detailed Income and Expense information.

Both the applicant and sponsoring chapter will be notified of the decision. If the grant is denied due to an insufficient financial plan, the student can apply again with an improved financial plan.

If you are interested in the Program for Continuing Education grant but do not know a P.E.O. member, fill out the PCE Potential Applicant form. Completing this form does not guarantee recommendation for a grant.