Welcome to P.E.O. We are a Sisterhood of women who are purposeful and passionate about celebrating, supporting and motivating women. Our mission is to help women around the world advance through education. We believe education unlocks doors and creates endless possibilities. Together we can help women reach for the stars. We take great pride in transforming the lives of women by providing grants, scholarships, awards and loans for higher education, alongside owning and supporting Cottey College – a distinguished liberal arts college dedicated solely to women.If friendship is the cornerstone of P.E.O., then philanthropy is the bridge. P.E.O. has a shared mission of empowering women through education and our projects are an ongoing testament to that dedication.
P.E.O. was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This circle of kindred spirits – bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities – eventually expanded to include women off campus as well. Since its inception in 1869, our organization has helped more than 122,000 women pursue educational goals by providing nearly $415 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans.
P.E.O.—Where women motivate, educate and celebrate women.
The P.E.O. Sisterhood