In 1869, seven young women at a small Iowa university founded a group built on friendship and a desire to support one another. They likely never guessed that their small sorority would grow into a major philanthropic force. Today, that group is the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that has provided over $432 million in educational funding to more than 125,000 women. It stands as a testament to a long-lasting mission of "women helping women reach for the stars." This is the story of the original international peo—not a business service, but a Philanthropic Educational Organization with a rich history and a profound impact on women's lives.
Key Takeaways
- Clarify your search: The term "International PEO" can mean two different things, a philanthropic group for women's education (the P.E.O. Sisterhood) or a global HR service. Understanding this distinction is the first step to getting the help you need.
- The Sisterhood offers diverse financial aid: The P.E.O. provides significant support through six distinct programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Each program is tailored to women at different stages of their educational journey, from high school seniors to doctoral candidates.
- Follow the right path to get involved: Joining the Sisterhood is by invitation and requires a personal connection with a local chapter. To apply for financial aid, you must go through the official P.E.O. International website and find the specific program that matches your eligibility.
What Does "International PEO" Mean?
If you've come across the term "International PEO," you might have found yourself a bit confused. That's because it can refer to two very different types of organizations, and knowing the difference is essential. On one hand, you have a historic philanthropic group dedicated to women's education. On the other, you have a modern business service that helps companies manage their global workforce. It's a classic case of the same acronym meaning two completely different things.
Both use the "PEO" acronym, but that's where the similarities end. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a non-profit community with a mission to support women through scholarships and grants. A Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO), on the other hand, is a for-profit service that handles HR tasks like payroll and benefits for international teams. While they both operate on an international scale, their core purposes are worlds apart. One is focused on philanthropy for individuals, while the other provides outsourced HR solutions for businesses looking to expand globally. Getting clear on this distinction is the first step to finding the information you actually need, whether you're a student seeking aid or a business leader building a team.
P.E.O. Sisterhood vs. Global PEO: What's the Difference?
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a philanthropic educational organization founded in 1869. Its primary focus is providing educational opportunities for female students through a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans. With chapters across the U.S. and Canada, this organization has helped thousands of women pursue their educational aspirations.
In contrast, a Global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) is a business that provides comprehensive human resources services. Companies partner with a Global PEO to hire employees in other countries without having to establish a legal entity there. The PEO handles critical functions like payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance with local labor laws, allowing the company to focus on its core operations.
What Is the P.E.O. Sisterhood?
When you hear the term "International P.E.O.," one of the two organizations people might be referring to is the P.E.O. Sisterhood. P.E.O. stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization, and it’s a U.S.-based international group of nearly 200,000 women. The Sisterhood’s main goal is to create educational opportunities for female students all over the world. It’s a community built on friendship and mutual support, with a shared passion for helping women achieve their dreams through education.
For over 150 years, this organization has been a quiet but powerful force, working at local and international levels to provide scholarships, grants, and loans. The structure is unique, with thousands of local chapters forming a network of support. These chapters are where the fundraising and member connections happen, creating a strong sense of community. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is more than just a philanthropic group; it's a network dedicated to celebrating and advancing women through the power of education.
The Sisterhood's Origins
The story of the P.E.O. Sisterhood begins back on January 21, 1869. It was founded by a small group of seven ambitious young women at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. What started as a college sorority quickly grew beyond its campus roots. The founders wanted to create a bond of friendship and support that would last a lifetime, extending far beyond their university years. This initial vision of a supportive female community is what has allowed the organization to grow from just seven members into the international force it is today. You can learn more about the group's long history and evolution from a small sorority to a major philanthropic organization by exploring the P.E.O. Sisterhood's background.
Its Mission and Core Values
At its heart, the P.E.O. Sisterhood is a nonprofit volunteer organization driven by a simple yet profound mission: to support women in their pursuit of education. The organization’s official motto is "Women helping women reach for the stars," and this sentiment guides everything they do. The core values are grounded in a "loving concern for each other," which fosters a genuine sense of sisterhood among its members. This isn't just about writing checks; it's about creating a supportive environment where women are encouraged and celebrated. You can read more about the organization's guiding principles on the About P.E.O. page, which details their commitment to philanthropy and education.
Cottey College: The P.E.O.'s Own College for Women
One of the most impressive testaments to the P.E.O. Sisterhood's commitment to women's education is that it owns and supports its very own college. Cottey College, located in Nevada, Missouri, is an independent liberal arts and sciences college for women. Since the Sisterhood took ownership in 1927, it has provided immense financial and volunteer support to the institution, ensuring it remains a top-tier environment for female students. Owning a college is a unique and powerful way for the P.E.O. to put its mission into action, providing a dedicated space for women to learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. It stands as a living symbol of the organization's dedication to higher education for women.
A Look at the Six P.E.O. Philanthropies
At the heart of the P.E.O. Sisterhood's mission are its six philanthropies, each designed to help women pursue their educational aspirations. These programs are the primary way the organization channels its resources and sisterly support into tangible, life-changing opportunities. From loans and grants to scholarships, these initiatives provide critical financial assistance to women at various stages of their educational journeys. Whether it's a high school senior just starting college, a woman from another country pursuing a graduate degree, or a mother returning to the workforce, there's a P.E.O. program designed to help her succeed.
These philanthropies are not just about writing checks; they are a testament to the Sisterhood's belief in the power of education to transform lives. Since their inception, these programs have collectively awarded over $432 million in financial aid. This incredible figure represents millions of hours of local chapter fundraising, countless volunteer efforts, and a deep, unwavering commitment to "helping women reach for the stars." Each program has a unique focus, ensuring that the Sisterhood's impact is both broad and deep, touching the lives of women across the United States, Canada, and the world. Let's take a closer look at five of these powerful initiatives.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS)
Established in 1949, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is a beautiful example of the Sisterhood's global reach. This fund provides scholarships for women from other countries who are pursuing graduate degrees in the United States and Canada. The goal is not only to support their academic work but also to foster global friendships and cultural understanding. By investing in these women, P.E.O. hopes they will return to their home countries as leaders and peacemakers. Since it began, the IPS fund has awarded approximately $48 million, helping to build bridges of peace and understanding one student at a time.
P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF)
As one of the oldest P.E.O. projects, the Educational Loan Fund has been a cornerstone of the Sisterhood's mission since 1907. This revolving loan fund provides low-interest loans to qualified women who need financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. Unlike a scholarship or grant, a loan is a helping hand that gets paid forward, as repayments from past recipients allow P.E.O. to help future students. With over $243 million loaned to date, the Educational Loan Fund has created a sustainable legacy of support, empowering generations of women to complete their education and enter the workforce with confidence.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE)
Life doesn't always follow a straight path, and the Program for Continuing Education was created to support women whose educational journeys have been interrupted. Established in 1973, PCE provides need-based grants to women in the U.S. and Canada who are returning to school, often to support themselves and their families. This program recognizes the courage it takes to go back to the classroom after a break and provides a crucial financial lift. The PCE program has awarded around $70 million in grants, helping women gain new skills, finish their degrees, and create better futures for themselves.
P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA)
For women pursuing the highest levels of academic achievement, the P.E.O. Scholar Awards offer significant support. Launched in 1991, this program provides substantial merit-based awards for women in the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral degree or engaged in postdoctoral research. These competitive awards recognize women with exceptional academic records and high potential in their chosen fields. By supporting these scholars, P.E.O. is investing in the next generation of experts, researchers, and thought leaders. To date, the P.E.O. Scholar Awards have distributed approximately $34 million, championing women at the pinnacle of their educational pursuits.
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship celebrates and supports exceptional young women at the very beginning of their post-secondary education. Introduced in 2009, this program provides scholarships to outstanding high school senior girls who demonstrate strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and community involvement. The STAR Scholarship is a vote of confidence in the next generation, providing financial assistance as they transition to college. With approximately $20 million awarded so far, the STAR Scholarship helps bright young women start their higher education journey on a strong footing, encouraging them to continue reaching for their goals.
What Is the P.E.O. Sisterhood's Impact on Women's Education?
The P.E.O. Sisterhood isn't just about community; it's about creating real, tangible change in women's lives through education. For over a century, the organization has focused its energy on one primary goal: helping women achieve their academic dreams. The impact is staggering, both in the financial support provided and the global community it has built. Let's look at the incredible difference the P.E.O. Sisterhood has made.
Funding Milestones: Over $432 Million Awarded
When it comes to financial support, the numbers speak for themselves. Since its founding in 1869, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has provided over $432 million in educational funding. This incredible sum has been distributed to more than 125,000 women, helping them break down financial barriers and pursue their goals. The support comes in many forms, including grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. This variety ensures that women at all stages of their educational path, from starting college to finishing a doctoral degree, can find the help they need. These philanthropic projects are the heart of the Sisterhood’s mission.
Supporting Women Across Borders
While its roots are in the United States, the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s reach is truly global. With approximately 197,000 members, the organization actively provides educational opportunities for female students all over the world. This international focus means that a woman’s location doesn't have to be a barrier to her education. Programs like the International Peace Scholarship are specifically designed to bring women from other countries to the U.S. and Canada for graduate studies. This not only supports individual students but also fosters a greater sense of global connection and understanding among its members, creating a worldwide network of support.
What Makes the P.E.O. Different?
What truly sets the P.E.O. Sisterhood apart is its core philosophy of "women helping women." For more than 155 years, this simple yet powerful idea has been the driving force behind everything they do. It’s more than just a foundation that sends a check; it’s a grassroots network of local chapters filled with members who personally mentor, encourage, and champion the women they support. This combination of financial aid and genuine, personal connection is what makes the experience so unique. The Sisterhood provides many ways for women to get financial support, but it’s the unwavering belief in each woman's potential that defines its lasting impact.
How to Join the P.E.O. Sisterhood
Joining the P.E.O. Sisterhood is a unique process that centers on personal connection and shared values. Unlike many organizations where you can simply apply online, membership is based on relationships. It’s about getting to know current members and allowing them to get to know you. This approach ensures that every new member is a good fit for her local chapter’s community and is genuinely aligned with the Sisterhood’s mission. The path to membership starts with a personal connection, preserving the close-knit, supportive nature that defines the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Understanding the Invitation-Only Membership Process
Membership in the P.E.O. Sisterhood is by invitation only, a tradition that helps maintain a strong, trust-based community. To be considered, a prospective member must be at least 18 years old and express a belief in God. While the organization is nonsectarian, this shared belief is a foundational element. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is committed to creating a secure and encouraging space, which is why all meetings are private and reserved for members. This exclusivity ensures that discussions are confidential and that the chapter remains a place of genuine support and collaboration for all its sisters.
Get Involved with a Local Chapter
The best way to begin your journey toward membership is to connect with a local chapter. With over half a million women united across the United States and Canada, there’s likely a chapter in your community. If you know someone in P.E.O., let her know you’re interested in learning more. She can invite you to social events or informational gatherings where you can meet other members and see the Sisterhood’s values in action. Engaging with a local chapter is the most important step, as it allows you to experience the community firsthand and build the relationships that are central to the P.E.O. membership process.
How Former Members Can Rejoin
Life happens, and sometimes members need to step away from the Sisterhood for a period. If you were previously a member and wish to come back, the process is welcoming and straightforward. The P.E.O. Sisterhood values its lifelong connections and makes it easy for inactive members to reinstate their membership at any time. You can simply reach out to your former chapter or contact P.E.O. International to get started. This open-door policy reflects the enduring power of sisterhood and the organization's commitment to welcoming its members back into the fold, no matter how long they’ve been away.
How to Apply for P.E.O. Scholarships and Aid
Finding the right financial aid starts with understanding your options and how to apply. The P.E.O. Sisterhood offers several distinct philanthropic programs, each with its own application process and timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the programs and where to find the information you need to get started.
Eligibility Criteria for Each Program
The P.E.O. Sisterhood has several programs designed to help women achieve their educational goals, but each one serves a different purpose. It’s important to identify which program aligns with your personal circumstances. For example, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) provides scholarships for women from other countries who wish to earn a graduate degree in the U.S. or Canada.
In contrast, the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) offers need-based grants to women in the U.S. and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who need to return to school to support themselves or their families. Other programs, like the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF), offer low-interest loans. Your citizenship, educational level, and financial need will determine which program is the right fit for you.
Where to Find Application Information
The best and most reliable place to get details on every program is the official P.E.O. International website. This is your central hub for all application forms, deadlines, and specific guidelines. Since the P.E.O. offers various types of financial help, including scholarships, grants, awards, and loans, the official website is organized to help you find exactly what you need.
Before you apply, take some time to read through the requirements for the program that interests you. Because each fund is unique, the eligibility criteria and application process will differ. The official site provides the most current and accurate information, ensuring you can put together a strong and complete application.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm still a little confused. What's the main difference between the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a Global PEO? Think of it this way: the P.E.O. Sisterhood is a philanthropic community focused on helping individual women fund their education. A Global PEO is a for-profit business that companies hire to manage HR tasks for their international employees. While they share an acronym, their missions are completely different. One is about sisterhood and scholarships; the other is about outsourced business services.
Do I need to be a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood to apply for its scholarships or loans? No, you do not need to be a member to be eligible for the organization's educational philanthropies. The P.E.O. Sisterhood's mission is to provide educational opportunities to women, and its financial aid programs are open to any woman who meets the specific eligibility requirements for each award. Membership and receiving aid are two separate things.
The membership process is by invitation. What if I don't know any P.E.O. members? This is a common question, since personal connection is key. The best approach is to be open about your interest in your community. You can mention your passion for women's education to friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Many members are active in their communities, and you may discover a connection you didn't know you had. The process is designed to build genuine relationships, so starting those conversations is the first step.
Are the financial aid programs only for students in the United States? While the P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded in the U.S., its reach is international. Several programs, like the Program for Continuing Education and the STAR Scholarship, are for women in the U.S. and Canada. However, the International Peace Scholarship is specifically for women from other countries who are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada, highlighting the organization's global focus.
With so many different aid programs, how do I know which one is right for me? The best way to figure this out is to consider your specific situation. Are you a high school senior? The STAR Scholarship might be a fit. Are you a woman from another country seeking a graduate degree? Look into the International Peace Scholarship. If your education was interrupted, the Program for Continuing Education could be for you. Review the purpose of each fund and visit the official P.E.O. International website to compare the detailed eligibility criteria for each one.