News : P.E.O. Chapter HG Recognizes Continuing Education Grant Recipients

Roxanne Ervin, P.E.O. Chapter HG member (middle) awards $3000 Continuing Education Grants to Shelby Stender, Vinton (left) and Darcy Duhart, Urbana (right).

Members of Vinton's P.E.O. Chapter HG met at Cindy Elwick's home on Saturday, December 4th for a Christmas Brunch. Guests of honor were Darcy Duart and Shelby Stender who were recently awarded P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grants from the P.E.O. Sisterhood and sponsored by Chapter HG. Each grant was for $3000.

Duart, from Urbana is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She received her certification as a licensed practical nurse three years ago as a stepping stone to reach her ultimate career goal to become a registered nurse. Grant funds will go to support her nursing education program.

Stender, lives in Vinton and currently works as a pharmacy technician at LaGrange Pharmacy while pursuing a degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Interactive Digital Studies and Digital Advertising and Visualization.

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 support themselves and/or their families.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000 women pursue educational goals by providing over $383 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a 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 6,000 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

You can also join us at: facebook.com/peointernational @PEOInternational on Instagram @PEOSisterhood on Twitter.com