Christie Caudill, left, received a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Also pictured is Bing Boettner, right, president of Chapter DU, Rock Port. (Submitted photo)
Christie Caudill, a student at Iowa Western Community College, 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 DU of Rock Port, Missouri.
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.
Caudill is pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing. She received her certification as a licensed practical nurse 11 years ago as a steppingstone to reach her ultimate career goal of being a registered nurse.
Chapter DU has been a part of the Rock Port community since it was organized in 1922.The chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary in October 2022.
P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans (as of April 2024). 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 close to 5,500 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.
