International Sisterhood of P.E.O. awards grant to St. Charles student

Patricia Anderson, a student at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was awarded a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by P.E. O. Chapter MW of St. Charles.

The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the U.S. and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or families.

Anderson is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Central Michigan University. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), has been motivating, educating and celebrating women for more than 155 years.

Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 129,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $462 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College.

Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them.

In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members. What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women's organizations in North America with over 5,400 chapters.

To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org.