P.E.O. PROGRAM FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION | PCE
Celebrating
50 YEARS OF PCE
YOU ARE INVITED TO A PARTY! DON’T YOU JUST LOVE CELEBRATIONS? THE P.E.O. PROGRAM FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION (PCE) IS READY TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN WHO FIND IT NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OR ADVANCE IN THEIR CHOSEN CAREERS.
PCE was championed into existence at the 1973 Convention of Supreme Chapter. Originally the idea of Chapter AK, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, PCE’s rich history includes stories of women supporting women to improve financial stability through education and advancement. During the last half century, the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education has certainly evolved. In 1973 the maximum grant was set at $500. With the growth of project contributions, endowed funds and Undesignated Fund distributions from the P.E.O. Foundation, the maximum grant has grown to $3,000. The purpose of a PCE grant is not to cover the entire cost of an educational program, but to serve as a grant-in-aid for students with an interrupted path of study who need financial assistance with a variety of educational related expenses. “Thank you so much for this opportunity!” says one thankful student, “I cannot express enough, my gratitude for providing me with this scholarship! You have lifted such a burden off my chest with fears of not having enough in order to complete my education. What an honor and a relief!”
to applicants demonstrating significant financial need. Upon completion of their educational program, the successful applicant will improve the opportunity for financial stability for themselves and their families. How can you participate? In order to help us celebrate these $5,000 Anniversary Grants, PCE is suggesting each local chapter, as well as individual donors, contribute an extra $50 during the next two years (2022-2023) as a PCE Anniversary Gift. Chapter gifts should be sent to s/p/d treasurers with a notation that this donation is a PCE Anniversary Gift. Individual donors may use either the online giving tab or the printable Individual Donation Form both found on the P.E.O. International member website. Donors may add a notation to either donation option that states this contribution is a PCE Anniversary Gift. Thank you for celebrating our 50-year milestone and may we each continue to Build Brighter Tomorrows for women who value the opportunity that education provides.
While 50 years might sound like a long time, it is practically the blink of an eye. The greatest thing we as a sisterhood can do for the future is to encourage, enable and excite women to reach for their goals, take pride in their achievements and assist the next generation to do likewise. It is the work of local P.E.O. chapters that make all of this possible. From identifying applicants to providing assistance with the PCE application process, chapters are building relationships with a diverse group of women in a wide variety of educational fields. As one recent PCE recipient so eloquently stated, “I would like to say thank you to the P.E.O. organization for providing women with grants such as this one and giving us opportunities to return to school. What an example you are of women empowering women!” To-date, more than $65 million has been awarded to over 53,000 women—each sponsored by a local chapter. So back to the party celebration. The PCE trustees are excited to announce that in 2023 they will be awarding 50 special PCE Anniversary Grants in the amount of $5,000 each
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THE P.E.O. RECORD | September–October 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
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