Blog

1/18/23

ASPSF alumna Kathy Smith ‘instrumental‘ in planning fundraising event

Volunteers like Kathy Smith help Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund fundraise successfully! Kathy played a key part in planning a benefit concert by county music star Trey Taylor last fall in Fort Smith. She secured event sponsorships and in-kind donations, such as tablecloths. And on the day of the event, she welcomed guests at the front door and stayed late to clean up. The fundraiser brought in thousands of dollars to help single parent students. To thank... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 1/18/23

12/13/22

Single mom returns to school to give back to Boone County

Ferrin C. (left) receives her Fall 2022 scholarship from Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Program Manager Kim Paul-Williams. For the past seven years, Ferrin C. has worked in Boone County’s nonprofit field, supporting family development programs to help low-income families find self-reliance. However, she found herself wanting to do more for her clients and her 10-year-old son, Jamon. She realized furthering her education would advance her career and benefit her... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 12/13/22

Student Spotlight Student of the Month

12/5/22

ASPSF thanks 2 Southeast Region volunteers for their service

For the month of December, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is recognizing not one but two outstanding volunteers in the Southeast Region! Congratulations to Brian Wells and Aaron Simpson, both of Monticello, as ASPSF's December 2022 Volunteers of the Month. Program Manager Kerron Simpson described Brian and Aaron, who are her brothers, as behind-the-scenes volunteers who were raised in a single parent home. They passionately believe in empowering single... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 12/5/22

Volunteer Volunteer of the Month

11/17/22

Single parents say thanks

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund! We’re grateful to our donors, volunteers, and community partners who help single parent students across Arkansas get the resources they need to build a brighter future for their families. Our students say it best! Read their thanks below. “ASPSF hasn’t just helped me financially, it has also given me usable life skills with the handbook and workshops. I am thankful to the donors who... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 11/17/22

11/14/22

ASPSF ‘has inspired me never to doubt myself,’ single dad says

Like many Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund recipients, William Pontius was nervous when he first applied to college. “I questioned myself if I could genuinely handle school while raising my son,” he said. “Regardless of how I felt, I knew I had to try.” And his hard work paid off! William graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas in May with nearly all A’s. He’s... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 11/14/22

Student Spotlight Student Success Story Student of the Month

11/9/22

ASPSF single parents, staff share what Veterans Day means to them

In honor of Veterans Day, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund recognizes all the military servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. You have our sincere appreciation and gratitude. We’re especially proud of the many ASPSF scholarship recipients, staff members, board members, volunteers, and their family members who have served or are actively serving. We invited some of them to share their experiences and tell us what Veterans Day means to them. ... Read More

at 11/9/22

Staff Spotlight Student Spotlight

11/3/22

ASPSF recognizes Sebastian County volunteer for fundraising support

Hailee Brown (center) has volunteered with ASPSF since 2021. She stands with ASPSF Program Manager Sandy Nelson (left) and ASPSF Development Manager Abbie Taylor Cox. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is thankful for November 2022 Volunteer of the Month Hailee Brown! The daughter of an ASPSF alumna, Hailee began volunteering with ASPSF’s West Region in Spring 2021 in Sebastian County. Both ASPSF Program Manager Sandy Nelson and ASPSF Development Manager Abbie Taylor Cox... Read More

at 11/3/22

Volunteer Volunteer of the Month

10/14/22

Wandra Williams recognized for 12 years as ASPSF volunteer

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is excited to announce Wandra Williams as the Volunteer of the Month for October 2022. Wandra is the Director of Continuing Education/Community Services at Phillips Community College Helena-West Helena Campus, and she has volunteered with ASPSF for over 12 years. Wandra is the epitome of a super volunteer. The Phillips County resident is always encouraging our applicants, reminding them of the deadline. She also... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 10/14/22

Volunteer Spotlight Volunteer Volunteer of the Month

10/11/22

Single parent scholar helps invent life-changing device for professor’s father

Lisa James (center), stands with her two children, Macy and Brett. When Lisa James and her team presented a device to help their professor’s father hug again, she had no idea it would be so well-received. The video of a man hugging his grandson for the first time in eight years went viral after Lisa’s Arkansas State University occupational therapy professor shared it on Facebook. Lisa said she and her teammates cried when they saw the video. “To... Read More

Posted by Jen Para at 10/11/22