P.E.O is an international organization for women which promotes educational opportunities for women. It was founded in 1869 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and has brought together more than half a million women in the US and Canada. Since 1869, P.E.O has helped more than 116,000 women pursue educational goals by providing over $383 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. P.E.O also owns and supports Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Locally, we provide scholarships for high school girls made possible by fundraising throughout the year. Our chapter also supports P.E.O’s international projects, which are substantial awards for educational advancement. As a chapter, we volunteer our service at community events and for local projects.