The Philanthropic Educational Organization aims to help women reach for the stars. The best way to do that, it thinks, is through education.
“We all work in philanthropy, to raise funds to be able to provide opportunities for women to continue education.” President of the Ontario/Quebec chapters, Diane Dempsey says. “It’s pretty much focused on education. Accessing education, continuing education, and seeking success through education.”
HISTORY
Iowa Wesleyan University – photo courtesy of wikimedia commons
P.E.O. is currently celebrating it’s 150th year.
The organization was formed on Jan. 21, 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan University.
Dempsey explains that a group of 7 young women, who grew up together, didn’t want to be separated as they tried to pursue higher education. In a time when it wasn’t really popular for women to continue with education it was difficult to get support from others, so they decided to help themselves.
“They decided that they would make a society that would keep them bonded together… [They] knew that the way to be able to really provide and help one another, and to help young women continue was through education.”
FUNDING
Funding opportunities through P.E.O.
P.E.O. provides 6 different opportunities for funding women’s educations.
Over the 150-year history of P.E.O. more than $344M has been provided to over 109,000 women.
- International Peace Scholarship – Provided to women who live outside of Canada/U.S. to take their skills/education back to their home country.
- Educational Loan Fund – for women who are enrolled full-time/part-time at an accredited Canadian/U.S. post secondary institution. The loan can be applied to diploma, degree, or doctoral levels of education.
- Program for Continuing Education – A grant of up to $3,000 for women who have had a significant break in their education (min. 2 years) who are going back to school.
- STAR Scholarship – For girls coming out of their final year of high school, entering into college or university.
- Scholar Awards – For women within 2 years of completing their doctoral degrees.
- Cottey College – A college for women, offering baccalaureate and associate degrees.
More information on eligibility and amounts offered can be found at the P.E.O. International website.
Listen to XFM’s interview with Provincial President, Diane Dempsey.
