P.E.O. — Program for Continuing Education (PCE)

About this award

The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) is a need-based grant of up to $4,000 for a woman whose education was interrupted and who now needs to return to school to support herself or her family. The grant comes from the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a women's philanthropic organization founded in 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan University and active in Canada since 1911, when the first Canadian chapter was chartered in Vancouver. PCE itself was established in 1973 — it has been quietly funding interrupted careers for half a century. Across all P.E.O.'s programs, the Sisterhood has put more than $415 million into women's education. You can use the PCE grant for tuition, books, supplies, transportation, childcare, uniforms, testing fees, or even tools — anything that gets you across the finish line of a degree, certificate, or licensure that improves your earning power. Eligible programs span certificate, college, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and trades pathways, which is unusually broad. PCE is a one-time grant rather than a renewable annual award — you receive it once, for the program you have specified. The catch: you cannot apply directly. A local P.E.O. chapter has to recommend you. Active Canadian chapters exist in six provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and BC), so step one is to find a nearby chapter through peointernational.org and connect with a member who can sponsor your application. Ask the Sisterhood directly to confirm the current sponsorship process if no chapter contact is listed for your area.

Who qualifies

Women in Canada (citizen or permanent resident) whose education has been interrupted. Must have had 24+ consecutive months as a non-student in adult life. Within 18 months of completing the program for which funding is requested. Local P.E.O. chapter sponsorship required.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to certificate, college, undergraduate, graduate, professional or trades students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba or Nova Scotia

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's own page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Apply when you're ready

   This one takes applications all year.

More details