California State Chapter Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by P.E.O. California
Overview
California State Chapter P.E.O. administers more than 50 individual scholarships through four committees that use a single application process. This consolidated application identifies the specific scholarships for which an applicant may qualify and directs candidates to any additional eligibility requirements or restrictions. The Application Instructions and Guidelines document has been updated for the current cycle to help applicants complete the form correctly. Applicants should consult the P.E.O. California website for complete instructions and filing details.
- One application covers all individual scholarships administered by the chapter.
- Many awards have additional, fund-specific eligibility requirements.
- Updated application instructions are available for the current cycle.
Scholarships Administered
The California State Chapter distributes awards across a variety of fields and named funds. Some are targeted to specific professions or fields of study, while others have broader eligibility. Scholarship decisions are made by committees that evaluate applicants based on the criteria for each fund. Applicants should review fund descriptions to determine which awards apply to their goals and qualifications.
Description: The major named funds include the Dorothy L. Weller Scholarship Fund (Law), the Ethel O. Gardner Scholarship Fund (field varies), the Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund (Medicine), and awards selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee (field varies).
- Dorothy L. Weller Scholarship Fund — Law
- Ethel O. Gardner Scholarship Fund — Field varies
- Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund — Medicine
- Scholarship Selection Committee awards — Field varies
Application Process
The application cycle for the 2027–2028 academic year opens on September 1, 2026 and remains open through the January due date. Applicants use a single online application for all individual scholarships and should follow the Application Instructions and Guidelines for document and deadline requirements. The application platform includes a save-and-resume feature: when you save, a link is emailed so you can return and complete the form later. For filing instructions, required materials, and the exact January deadline, consult the P.E.O. California website.
Application Timeline: Applications open September 1, 2026 and close on the January deadline for awards funding the Fall 2027 academic term.
- Single online application for all individual scholarships.
- Save-and-resume feature sends a return link via email.
- Check P.E.O. California for the exact January submission deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific baseline requirements to be considered for any California State Chapter scholarship. Eligibility generally includes residency, gender, citizenship or permanent resident status, and educational status at the time funds are distributed. Some individual funds impose additional restrictions or preferences; applicants should verify fund-specific rules before applying. Scholarship funds referenced here are for the academic year beginning with the Fall 2027 term.
Eligibility: Basic requirements include being a woman with permanent California residency, being or becoming a high school graduate (or equivalent) by the time of funding, and being a U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident able to provide proof if requested.
- Must be a woman with permanent California residency.
- Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada (proof may be required).
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent by the time scholarship funding occurs (Fall 2027) and planning to enroll in an accredited postsecondary institution in the U.S. or Canada.