California State Chapter Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by P.E.O. California
The California State P.E.O. scholarship application window is now open. Applications for awards to be used in the 2026–2027 academic year will be accepted through January 15, 2026. All application packets — complete with every required attachment — must be received by that date.
Eligibility
- Female applicants only.
- Must be a permanent resident of California.
- Must be either a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada; documentation may be requested.
- Must have completed high school (or the equivalent) by the time scholarship funds are distributed in Fall 2026 and must be, or plan to be, enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States or Canada at that time.
Overview of Funds and Application
California State Chapter P.E.O. awards more than 50 individual scholarships through four Scholarship Fund groups. A single application submission may be considered for any combination of these four groups. Individual fund groups and many of the separate scholarships have their own specific eligibility rules and restrictions, so applicants should review requirements carefully. Additional details are available online.
Scholarship Fund Groups (general)
- Dorothy L. Weller Scholarship Fund (law)
- Ethel O. Gardner Scholarship Fund (varied fields)
- Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund (medicine)
- Scholarship Selection Committee (field varies)
Additional resource: See the Cottey College public page for information about scholarships and other financial support available to California resident women who are attending or considering Cottey College.
Fund-specific Requirements and Notes
- Dorothy L. Weller Scholarship Fund: Applicant must be a California resident woman who has completed high school or equivalent and who has applied to, been accepted to, or is currently enrolled in a law-related program at an accredited college or university or at a licensed paralegal school.
- Ethel O. Gardner Scholarship Fund: Checking the Ethel O. Gardner option on the application automatically submits your materials to three scholarships administered by the Ethel O. Gardner committee.
- Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund Group: Applicants must be California resident women.
- Ruth G. White award: For women who have completed their first year of graduate study in the field of medicine.
- Dorothy C. Wisner award: For high school graduates who are currently enrolled in the United States in an undergraduate program in a broad field of medicine.
If you have questions or need more information about particular scholarships, consult the online resources referenced above.