Two NDSU students have received $2,000 grants from Fargo chapters of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, commonly known as the PEO Sisterhood. Sophomore Shanna Garcia was presented her award through Chapter E, while junior Sarah (Novotny) Braaten received her grant through Chapter AH.

The awards are part of the national organization’s Program for Continuing Education. The program was established in 1973 to provide grants to women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves or their families.

Garcia, a 2000 graduate of West Fargo High School, is majoring in child development and family science. She lives in Mapleton, N.D., with her husband and three children. She decided to start a family right after high school, and put her college education on hold. She said that decision allowed her to grow as a person and gave her time to discover that her calling is to help families.

“This grant means so much to me. It gives me hope and strength to continue on with my journey of schooling to pursue and achieve a better career and life for myself and my family,” Garcia said. “Without all the help and support from my family and friends, I don't think I would be able to make this journey on my own. This grant truly was a blessing and will always be greatly appreciated.”

Marjorie Johnson, Chapter E scholarship committee chair, said, “Shanna is a wonderful candidate for the grant, and she is so sincere. I am excited for her.”

Braaten, a 1999 graduate of Wahpeton, N.D., High School, is majoring in natural resources management. The mother of one daughter, she returned to college classes in 2006 after a six-year hiatus that included being a secretary and a stay-at-home mother as well as becoming a divorced working mom trying to make ends meet with no formal education. Now, she is studying natural resources in pursuit of a career in watershed management.

In a letter to Chapter AH members, Braaten wrote, “I know in my heart that I will make a difference in our world. My daughter will learn from my example, and I hope to teach other women who may face my situation that they are worthy of their dreams.”

“It is so rewarding for the members of Chapter AH to see the grant money go to deserving young women like Sarah,” said Laura Huth, chair of the chapter’s Program for Continuing Education.

The Philanthropic Educational Organization, with the mission of promoting educational opportunities for women, was founded in 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Today, it has nearly 250,000 members in chapters across the United States and Canada. The organization’s headquarters are in Des Moines, Iowa.