Jonesboro, Ark. — Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, or ASPSF, is now accepting scholarship applications for the Spring 2023 semester at aspsf.org/applynow. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.
ASPSF awards scholarships up to $1,200 to eligible single parentsliving in Arkansas who are attending college or obtaining technical training. We assist both part-time and full-time single parent students pursuing postsecondary education, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. Last year, ASPSF awarded more than 1,400 scholarships totaling $1.4 million across the state.
“I am thankful for those with Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund that helped me keep my head above water,” nursing major and 2021 graduate Shalonda Gardner said. “The scholarships helped us make ends meet with bills and groceries and with gas to get back and forth to school and work.”
Plus, the scholarships are flexible! Single parents can use the discretionary money to pay for the simple things that create the biggest barriers between them and their education, such as childcare, gas, car repairs, laptops, utilities, etc.
And ASPSF is more than a check! They provide personal support to our recipients, such as workshops — including 168 across the state last year! — and mentoring to help students be job-ready after they obtain their degree. Their staff and supporters walk alongside our recipients, supporting them through school to graduation and into sustainable employment with family-supporting wages.
Eligibility guidelines are available at aspsf.org/eligibility. In addition to being a single parent in Arkansas, criteria include having a GED or high school diploma, a 2.0 GPA, and a household income typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
For more information about ASPSF, please contact Program Manager Shaila Creekmore at 501-255-0636 or screekmore@aspsf.org.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For 30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.
Press Release
Featured photo ASPSF scholarship recipient Shalonda Gardner of Trumann receives her nursing degree.
My son is in 11th grade this year an I am a single mom of 2 boys. I would be very interested in signing my oldest up for this Scholarship.
Kandra, this scholarship is for the parent going to school. We encourage you to talk to your sons high school counselor about scholarships he will be eligible for.