Candace Teague, a student at Western New Mexico University, was awarded a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter BR of Silver City, New Mexico.

Teague is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business management. She received her associates degree in business administration in 2013 as a stepping stone to reach her ultimate career goal of working with United States Veterans, as she is a veteran herself.  Although Teague is no longer an active-duty service member, she would like to continue serving her country by serving those who have served before, alongside and after her.

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. 

Chapter BR has been a part of the Grant County community since it was organized in 2005.

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 or email PEOChapterBRNM@gmail.com.