What is P.E.O.?

We’re so glad you asked! 

  P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational Organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations.  

How did P.E.O. begin? 

Seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, founded one of the original societies for women, P.E.O., on January 21, 1869. Originally, a small campus friendship society, P.E.O. soon grew to include women off campus.

When did P.E.O. come to Texas?

 
In 1928 Florence Cowell, former Missouri State President, brought P.E.O. to Texas with the organization of Chapter A in Whitesboro on September 4. The Texas State Chapter was also organized in Whitesboro in 1928 with Mary Florence Cowell elected as the first state president. She is known as “Mother of P.E.O. in Texas,” and a Texas Historical Marker honoring her can be seen at her home in Whitesboro.  

Can you tell me about P.E.O. today? 

P.E.O. has grown from the original membership of seven to over a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada. P.E.O. is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. In Texas we have over 240 chapters and more than 10,000 active members.  

What are our Philanthropies? 

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about our mission: promoting educational opportunities for women. We proudly make a difference in women’s lives with five International educational projects. Currently there is pilot program for a sixth International project:

P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund 
Cottey College 
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship 
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education 
P.E.O. Scholar Awards  

Texas has two state projects:    
Texas Cottey College Scholarship Funds 
Texas Star Oaks Fund, Inc.  

To learn more about our local Chapter FS, Carrollton, TX contact Sheli Erenberger at shelieren@verizon.net  or visit our Texas State Chapter at www.peotexas.org or visit the P.E.O. International website at: www.peointernational.org 

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education, scholarship, women, clubs, organizations, grants, loans, sisterhood, Carrollton Texas, women's groups