California State Chapter Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by P.E.O. California

Quick heads-up: the California State P.E.O. scholarship application is open for the 2026–2027 academic year. All completed packets — with every required attachment — must be received by January 15, 2026 (this is both the application window close date and the final submission deadline).

Who is eligible (short version)
- You must be a woman.
- You must have permanent California residency.
- You must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or a legal permanent resident (be prepared to show proof if requested).
- You must be a high‑school graduate or equivalent by the time scholarship funds are disbursed in Fall 2026, and you must be planning to enroll or be enrolled in an accredited post‑secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada at that time.

How the program is organized
California State Chapter P.E.O. administers more than 50 individual scholarships through four Scholarship Fund groups. One application lets you apply to any combination of those four groups. Keep in mind many individual scholarships within those groups have their own specific eligibility rules and restrictions — read each description carefully.

The four fund groups (what you need to know)
- Dorothy L. Weller Scholarship Fund (law)
- For California resident women who have completed high school (or equivalent) and who have applied to, been accepted to, or are currently pursuing legal studies at an accredited college or university or at a licensed paralegal school.
- Ethel O. Gardner Scholarship Fund (field varies)
- Checking the Ethel O. Gardner box on the application automatically submits you to three scholarships administered by the Ethel O. Gardner committee.
- Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund (medicine)
- Ruth G. White: for women who have completed the first year of graduate study in the field of medicine.
- Dorothy C. Wisner (under the Ruth G. White group): for high‑school graduates currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in the broad field of medicine in the United States.
- Scholarship Selection Committee (field varies)
- Administers scholarships in a variety of fields; see specific descriptions online.

Where to get more information
- Check the California State P.E.O. website for full scholarship descriptions and any special restrictions.
- Also view the Cottey College public page for additional scholarship and funding information for California resident women who are attending or considering Cottey College.

Quick checklist (to prepare)
- Complete the application form before January 15, 2026.
- Include all required attachments with your packet.
- Be ready to provide proof of California residency and, if requested, proof of U.S./Canadian citizenship or legal permanent residency.
- Read each fund group and individual scholarship description for specific eligibility details.

If you want, I can help you convert this into a checklist you can print or into an email draft to request missing documents.