Giving STARS a
Chance to Shine

A one-time $2,500 scholarship is available to women, recommended by a P.E.O. chapter, who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.

College student studying in a library

Dream and Achieve

The newest of the P.E.O. philanthropies, the STAR Scholarship, was established in 2009 to reward outstanding young women for their achievements in and out of the classroom. STAR continues to give stellar students an opportunity to continue their influence in their communities and the world, while giving each student a connection to a local chapter whose members are ready to encourage and support them as they embark on their college or university studies.

With interests as varied as the students themselves, recipients have majored in: arts and humanities; business; health and medicine; multi-/interdisciplinary studies; public and social services; science, math and technology; social sciences; and trades and personal services.

Recipient Highlights

STAR Scholarship recipient Katherine O'Connell
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Recipient Katherine O’Connell

“Thank you for believing in the potential of a young girl with a pink suitcase. I am especially grateful to the P.E.O. Chapter TR in Oceanside, California, for submitting me for the STAR Scholarship and to the International Board of Trustees for selecting me as a scholarship recipient.”

Watch Katherine speak at the 2023 Convention of International Chapter

STAR Scholarship Award Recipient Shae Crowder
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Recipient Shae Crowder

“Thank you, P.E.O. … Your love and kindness and never-ending belief in me has gotten me this far. You remind me every day how much of a star I am and have always been in your eyes."

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P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Recipient Marjada Tucker

“The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was a gateway to opportunities and connections that ultimately changed my life’s trajectory.”

Named STAR Scholarship

A named P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a one-time scholarship presented to a graduating high school woman who meets the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship eligibility requirements. Funds for this scholarship shall be made up of contributions from individuals, chapters or collective gifts.

This P.E.O. STAR Scholarship may be named in honor or memory of an individual or chapter. Funds to be designated for a named scholarship must be received by the P.E.O. Executive Office no later than December 1 for the ensuing academic year.

Each named P.E.O. STAR scholarship recipient shall be selected by the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees using the same criteria as for the selection of other recipients. Each named STAR scholarship shall be in the same amount as other P.E.O. STAR Scholarships awarded in that year.

Recipient(s) receiving named scholarships shall be advised of this special designation when the formal announcement of P.E.O. STAR Scholarships is made. The recognition certificate shall reflect this named scholarship designation.

STAR Endowed Scholarship

An endowed P.E.O. STAR Scholarship may be established in honor or memory of an individual or chapter and is supported by special endowed funds held for the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship by the P.E.O. Foundation. Recipients of endowed scholarships are selected by the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Board of Trustees using the same criteria as for the selection of recipients. The donor or family most often selects the name designation. The principal of each endowed fund provides the interest for the funding of the award.

Income only shall be used for scholarships. The principal of this fund may not be expended.

When the income from the principal is equivalent to the amount designated for a P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, distribution from this fund will be made. Income shall be accrued until that time. Additional contributions may be added to the principal of this fund. Each scholarship awarded from an endowed fund shall be in the same amount as other P.E.O. STAR Scholarships awarded in that year.

Recipients of endowed scholarships shall be advised of this special designation when the formal announcement of the P.E.O. STAR Scholarships is made. The recognition certificate shall reflect the name of the endowed scholarship.

Important Note: A one-time gift of USD $2,500 for a Named Scholarship or establishment of an Endowed STAR Scholarship in honor or memory of an individual or chapter does not ensure a candidate from the chapter will be selected. All candidates are awarded strictly on their STAR attributes as outlined in the application process. That said, if the chapter from which the $2,500 gift or Endowed STAR Scholarship originates has recommended an awarded STAR, she will receive the chapter’s named/endowed scholarship. If the chapter did not recommend a successful candidate, effort will be made to match that chapter with an awardee residing within a reasonable distance.

STAR Scholarship Procedures and General Information

Read the procedures and general information that guide our decision-making when choosing qualified candidates for a P.E.O. STAR Scholarship.

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