P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Philanthropic Educational Foundation International
Overview
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a non-renewable award intended for graduating young women recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter. Recipients receive a one-time payment that must be used in the academic year immediately following high school graduation. Applications are submitted online after a chapter recommendation, and awards are announced annually. Eligibility and submission details are determined and verified by the P.E.O. Executive Office.
Description: A single-year scholarship awarded to graduating women who are recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter and who plan to enroll in postsecondary study in the United States or Canada in the fall following graduation.
Award Value: The scholarship amount is $2,500 and is not renewable.
- One-time $2,500 award for graduating women
- Must be used in the academic year immediately after graduation
- Applicants apply online after a local P.E.O. chapter recommendation
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is based on academic standing, leadership and service, citizenship or residency, and a chapter recommendation. Candidates must meet the minimum GPA requirement and demonstrate excellence and potential across academics, extracurriculars, and community service. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited postsecondary institution in the United States or Canada in the fall after graduation. Applications are evaluated without discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics.
Eligibility: Applicants must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter; be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or legal permanent resident; have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; demonstrate leadership, academics, extracurricular involvement, and community service; and plan to enroll in an accredited postsecondary institution in the U.S. or Canada in the fall following graduation.
- Recommendation by a local P.E.O. chapter is required
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Open to U.S. and Canadian citizens and legal permanent residents
Application Process
The applicant is interviewed and recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter before the national application can be submitted. After a chapter submits its recommendation, the P.E.O. Executive Office emails account credentials and a link to the online application dashboard. The applicant must complete and submit the application through that dashboard within the firm 30-calendar-day deadline. Awards are announced annually by April 30 and all applicants and recommending chapters are notified.
Application Timeline: After your recommending chapter submits its recommendation, you will receive an email with login instructions and a link; the completed application must be submitted within 30 calendar days at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET). This deadline is firm.
Application Materials: The online application includes a student profile; activity charts for extracurriculars, community service, and honors; a 700-word essay; two letters of recommendation; and an unofficial high school transcript (through 11th grade).
- Local chapter interview and recommendation required before applying online
- Application must be submitted within 30 calendar days of receiving the link
- Includes essay, recommendations, activity charts, and transcript
Important Reminders
Recipients who delay enrollment, take a gap year, or attend an institution outside the United States or Canada forfeit the award. If an applicant becomes ineligible after submission, they must notify the P.E.O. STAR Project Supervisor immediately so the award can be reallocated. Forfeited awards are offered to candidates on a wait list to ensure fairness to other applicants. Keep your recommending chapter and the STAR Project Supervisor informed of any changes to your plans.
Forfeiture and Contact: If you forfeit or lose eligibility, contact the P.E.O. STAR Project Supervisor at [email protected] as soon as possible so the award may be reassigned.
- Forfeiture occurs for gap years, delayed enrollment, or study outside the U.S./Canada
- Notify the STAR Project Supervisor immediately if you become ineligible
- Forfeited awards are given to applicants on a wait list