We are the Champions!

ABOUT P.E.O.

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

The organization was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This circle of kindred spirits—bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities—eventually expanded to include women off campus, as well. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to nearly a quarter of a million members in chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada, with headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

Friendship is the cornerstone of P.E.O.—it is the legacy left by our Founders and it thrives in our unique Sisterhood. P.E.O. exists to be a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever worthwhile endeavor they choose.  The P.E.O. Sisterhood maintains six educational projects in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans as well as the stewardship of Cottey College. Our sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a women’s college, Cottey College, and five projects that provide higher educational assistance.

P.E.O. has been present in South Carolina since 1940 when the first chapter was organized in the state. In 1979, the South Carolina State Chapter of P.E.O. was officially organized and membership has grown steadily through the years with over 1,500 members and 46 chapters. South Carolina supports six International projects, Cottey College, and has the South Carolina Educational Fund supporting women attending Cottey College and accredited universities in South Carolina.