P.E.O. Sisterhood

What is P.E.O.?

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, one of the pioneer societies for women, was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa. P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to almost 235,000 members in over 6,000 chapters in the United States and Canada. During nearly a century and a half, it has become an international organization with broad philanthropic and cultural aims with an ever-increasing interest in furthering educational opportunities and support for women.

Maryland State Chapter was organized in 1959 and as of March 2021 there are 40 active chapters throughout the state.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: 

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

Our sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies:

• • Stewardship of a four-year women’s college, Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri
  • Educational Loan Fund
  • International Peace Scholarship Fund
  • Program for Continuing Education
  • P.E.O. Scholar Awards
  • STAR Scholarship

For more information about the P.E.O. Projects, please visit the P.E.O. International web site. 

Interested in Membership or a Scholarship?