Pasadena Mom Receives Grant From Philanthropic Educational Organization

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A Pasadena resident was recently awarded an educational grant from a women's philanthropic educational organization, the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Jessica Long of Pasadena is currently completing a master of education in higher education administration through an online program at Pennsylvania State University. Prior to her master's degree pursuit, Long worked at Stevenson University and Johns Hopkins University in student aid administrative roles. Long received her undergraduate degree in music education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

To care for her young children, Long took a career break between her professional positions and pursuit of a master's degree. A local member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, from Chapter AN in Severna Park, learned of Long's situation and advised her of a grant the organization offers. The Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant is specifically designed for women whose education has been interrupted and who later return to school to complete a degree. Long applied and was interviewed and recommended by Chapter AN. In December 2018, she was awarded a PCE grant from the international office of the P.E.O. Sisterhood to help fund her studies during the current spring semester.

“Our members are passionate about the value of higher education,” said Dianne Feeney, chairman of the PCE committee of Chapter AN. “Seeing that same passion in Jessica delighted us and made us proud to play a small role in helping Jessica reach her goals. Even better, Jessica’s master’s degree will enable her to help many others pursue their education dreams.”

Long said being selected as a PCE grant recipient was not only an honor but has also helped offset tuition payments. “I’m very grateful for this grant, and I love what it stands for,” she said. “Women continuing their education after taking a break from school face unique challenges, and it was absolutely a great help to me. I believe in the transformative power of education, and having this degree will allow me to achieve my goals.”

Long will finish her master's degree in May 2020. In addition to her master's degree courses, Long completed an internship in the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising at her alma mater, UMBC, this spring semester. Long plans to work in an academic advising position or in student affairs at a higher education institution; she is also considering a doctoral program. She and her husband, Chris, have two sons: 5-year-old Eli and 2-year old Ezra.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood has chapters throughout the United States and Canada whose purpose is to support women with their educational goals. The organization maintains six philanthropic projects in the form of grants, scholarships and loans as well as the stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri.

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