Money available for education

Chapter CI, P.E.O. Chapter of Bigfork is looking for women who are seeking financial help with educational expenses.  

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey Collage, a fully accredited four year college.

P.E.O. Educational Loan – a revolving loan fund to help women achieve higher educational goals.  

This fund has $12,000 for an Associate and Undergraduate Degrees; $15,000 for Master’s Degree; and $20,000 for a Doctoral Degree.  There is an 8 year payback on loans up to $15,000 and a 10 year payback for loans over $15,000.  

Additionally there is a 6 month grace period after graduation before loan repayment begins, and current loans are offered with a 2% simple interest rate.

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education -  this program is need based and provides a grant up to $3,000, for women whose education has been interrupted and find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that improves their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families.   To qualify the  applicant must already be enrolled in a certification or degree program and has had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student in her adult life.

P.E.O. Scholar Awards -  A substantial merit-based award for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral level degree at an accredited college or university.

P.E.O. STAR Scholarship – This award provides scholarships for exceptional high school senior women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the US or Canada.  

Information about this award can be found in the Bigfork  high school guidance counselor’s office.