Lori Bockover 

Though access to education is still a challenge for many women, P.E.O. International stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Founded in 1869, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has dedicated itself to supporting women’s education through scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans.

Today, P.E.O. operates as a network of over 5,800 chapters across the United States and Canada. Several are in Northeast Texas including three in Tyler, as well as others in Emory, Longview, Mineola, Sulphur Springs, and Texarkana.

Recent beneficiaries of Smith County’s financial aid program include: Lori Bockover, of Whitehouse, who is pursuing a Medical and Coding Certification through Tyler Junior College funded by a $2,400 grant; Rachel Clapshaw, of Bullard, in her junior year as an Astrophysics major at Texas Tech, being helped by an $11,000 low-interest loan; Rebecca Katz, of Tyler, who received a $2,500 scholarship toward her freshman tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and Quesha Gibbs, of Tyler, who was awarded a $4,000 grant to complete her B.A. in Human Resource Management.

“This grant will allow me to complete my Bachelor’s without additional loans, help me get a promotion, and spend more time with the two most important people in my life, my children,” Gibbs said.

Beyond financial support, P.E.O. provides a network of encouragement and mentorship through its chapters. Members engage in local fundraising events, personal outreach, and community service, all while sharing a common goal of advancing women’s education.

The impact of P.E.O.’s work is profound. Over the years, thousands have benefited from the organization’s support, emerging as leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in their respective fields. Stories of success range from women who have become prominent academics to those who have made significant contributions in the fields of science, technology, business, and the arts.

“I’ve been passionate about astrophysics since I was a kid,” Clapshaw said. “I’m excited about the possibilities of putting my education to work in the field.”

As P.E.O. looks to the future, its vision for a world where every woman has access to education and the opportunity to succeed remains as vibrant as ever.

Carol Tidwell, a 2021 grant recipient and now an assistant director of nursing in Houston, described obtaining her nursing degree as one of her most challenging goals. “But with my faith in God, (and with) the assistance … of supporters like the women of P.E.O., it was one of the most fulfilling achievements of my life,” she said.

For more information on how to get involved or support P.E.O. International’s mission, visit www.peointernational.org.

The local P.E.O. chapter is inviting the community to their fall fundraiser auction from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler.