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

About this award

Up to $4,000 in need-based grants for women returning to school after at least 24 months out — rolling applications, reviewed by your local P.E.O. chapter.

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.

Can you get it?

• ✓ Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
• ✓ Certificate, College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional, Trades — study level
• ✓ Resident of AB, SK, BC, ON, MB, NS — provincial eligibility
• ✓ Studying all — field of study

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Submit before the posted deadline~1 hour

   Check the official source for the current deadline — save a copy and submit at least 24 hours early.

More details