The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship 2026 provides a one-time $2,500 award to high school senior women with exceptional academic and leadership records. This program supports students in the United States and Canada as they transition to postsecondary education. The P.E.O. International organization sponsors these awards to recognize young women who excel in community service.
The scholarship funds academic expenses for the year immediately following high school graduation. Over 900 recipients receive this award annually, which helps cover tuition, fees, and books. Students join a prestigious network of P.E.O. scholars and gain access to further educational support opportunities.
Applicants must secure a recommendation from a local P.E.O. chapter to begin the official process. The scholarship committee evaluates candidates based on their extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendation letters. You must be 20 years of age or younger at the end of the calendar year to qualify for this funding.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: High School Senior (entering Freshman year of college).
- Location: United States and Canada.
- Institution(s): Any accredited postsecondary institution in the U.S. or Canada.
- Program Period: One-time award for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Course Offered: All undergraduate majors and vocational programs.
- Deadline:March 14, 2026 (Full application).
Scholarship Coverage
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship provides a fixed financial grant to assist with the high costs of starting college. The program awards a non-renewable $2,500 scholarship directly to the recipient or their chosen institution. These funds are intended for nontaxable educational expenses such as tuition and required equipment.
Recipients benefit from several key advantages:
- $2,500 Cash Award: A single payment applied to the student’s first year of study.
- Academic Flexibility: Use the award at any accredited two- or four-year college or university.
- Mentorship: Access a local network of supportive women within the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
- Recognition: Receive a formal certificate of achievement to enhance your professional resume.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Gender: You must be a woman in your final year of high school.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada.
- GPA: You must maintain a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Leadership: Candidates must demonstrate excellence in leadership and community service.
- Age: You must be 20 years of age or under by the end of the 2026 calendar year.
Application Process
Follow these detailed steps to complete the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship application:
- Find a Local Chapter: Visit the P.E.O. International website to locate a chapter in your community for sponsorship.
- Request an Interview: Contact local members and request an interview for recommendation before the fall deadline.
- Receive Login Details: The P.E.O. Executive Office sends an email with login instructions once a chapter recommends you.
- Complete Online Form: Access the portal and submit your portion of the application within 30 days of receiving the email.
- Submit Supporting Items: Upload your 700-word essay, unofficial transcript (through 11th grade), and two recommendation letters.
- Review Status: Monitor your account to ensure your recommenders have submitted their forms before the final deadline.
Deadline
You must observe the following timeline for the 2026 award cycle:
- March 14, 2026: Final deadline for applicants to submit all online materials and transcripts.
- April 30, 2026: Official announcement of winners and notification to all applicants.
