PEO International projects were the focus of a presentation during the Trenton Rotary Club’s weekly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the BTC Bank community room. Scott Sharp presided over the meeting, with Phil Hoffman delivering the prayer and Brian Upton serving as sergeant at arms.
Diane Lowrey introduced Terry Cobb, president of Chapter AD, PEO of Trenton. Chapter AD is one of two PEO local chapters composed of women in the Trenton area. Cobb, who is also a member of the state committee that promotes the organization’s projects, provided details on various initiatives designed to support educational opportunities for women.
She outlined six international and one state project that offer financial assistance to women pursuing educational advancement. These initiatives include the Educational Loan Fund, Cottey College, the International Peace Scholarship, the PEO Program for Continuing Education, the PEO Scholar Award, and the PEO Star Scholarship, which are all available to women internationally. Additionally, the PEO Outreach Fund is a Missouri-based initiative.
Each project has specific eligibility criteria. The Educational Loan Fund provides loans for postgraduate work, while the Star Scholarship awards scholarships to graduating seniors. The Program for Continuing Education offers financial assistance to those whose education was interrupted for at least 24 months and who wish to return to school. The International Peace Scholarship supports women from other countries seeking to further their education in the United States or Canada. The PEO Scholar Award is intended for those pursuing a doctoral degree.
The PEO Outreach Fund is exclusively for Missouri residents and offers financial assistance to aging, affirmed, and destitute individuals. This fund provides both one-time and ongoing financial support. It was noted that both local PEO chapters have had recipients of the Star and Program for Continuing Education scholarships.
During the business meeting, the Trenton Rotary Club announced that it had received a Rotary District Grant to support the construction of a bathroom for the new Bright Futures Building. The $1,500 grant will be matched by a $1,500 donation from the club, which will also contribute in-kind labor assistance.
The next Trenton Rotary Club meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20 at the BTC Bank community room. District Governor Erik McGuire will present the program as part of his annual club visit, with Joe MacDonald serving as program chairman.
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