P.E.O. Record
STAR Scholarship Launches Educational Pursuits for High School Seniors
What if P.E.O. could reach a group of women not directly addressed by any other philanthropic project? What if P.E.O. could have a prominent presence in your community?
The STAR Scholarship
Providing recognition for high school women and establishing a more visible local philanthropic profile were wishes expressed in the 2007 Membership Survey. As a result, we are proud to announce the pilot program for our sixth P.E.O. philanthropy.
With individual awards of $2,500, the STAR Scholarship Pilot Program will enable high school seniors to pursue post-secondary education at accredited institutions.
Eligibility criteria
- Successful candidates will exhibit excellence in academics, leadership, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.
- Candidates will be 20 years of age or under by application deadline of February 1, 2009.
- Young women will be completing the final semester of their secondary education by application deadline.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Awards will be used for either full or part-time attendance at an accredited Canadian or United States postsecondary educational institution.
- Financial need may be considered but is not a requirement.
- Studies will commence no later than the fall following spring 2009 graduation.
- December graduates may be considered if the STAR Scholarship Committee receives a written request from a sponsoring chapter.
Scholarship uses
This non-renewable scholarship may be used for tuition, fees and books, all non-taxable uses. Funds may also be applied to room or board, but in such cases, the recipient bears responsibility for any tax implications. The recipient and her family will make the decision on how she will use the funds. The funds used for tuition normally will be split by the institution between the fall and spring semesters.
Pilot project begins in August
Begin looking for a student who is anticipating graduating by May 2009 and is planning to attend an accredited educational institution, such as a college or vocational school, the following fall. Young women from public or private high schools, boarding or home schools are potential applicants. To download application information, go to the pilot project information page or call the P.E.O. Executive Office for materials.
An interview with the student and chapter vote are required to recommend a student. Along with her application, the chapter must submit a recommendation form and letter to be received between January 1 and February 1, 2009. The number of scholarships awarded will be limited during the pilot program.
Notification of awarded scholarships will be sent by April 30, 2009. Chapters having scholarship winners will receive guidelines on how to present the award certificate at the student’s honors assembly or an appropriate public forum such as a church, temple or town council meeting. The guidelines also contain a suggested script of brief congratulatory remarks.
Together we can … help high school seniors pursue their goals and reach for the stars.