Category: Student Success Story

2/24/23

Returning to school twice, single mom never gave up on her dream of becoming a nurse

Deanna McHenry is counting down the days until her May 13 graduation. “I can’t wait for the moment I walk across that stage and tell my son that this was all for him,” she said. The four-time Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund recipient will graduate as a registered nurse from National Park College – her dream since she was 13 years old.  Once she has her diploma, Deanna plans to work at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and continue for her bachelor’s degre... Read More
Posted by Jen Para at 2/24/23
Student of the Month Student Spotlight Student Success Story

1/31/23

Alumna ‘didn’t have to choose’ among school, job, and parenthood because of single parent scholarship

Rachel Childers gushes gratitude for the support she received from Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. While attending Benton Beauty Academy, the aid covered nearly all her tuition for the yearlong program. This allowed her to spend more time with her 10-year-old son, Gabe, because she didn’t have to work full-time while attending trade school. “As a single parent, having resources is so important,” she said. “The scholarship allowed me to focus on school &mda... Read More
Posted by Jen Para at 1/31/23
Graduates Student Spotlight Student Success Story

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 now enrol... Read More
Posted by Jen Para at 11/14/22
Student of the Month Student Spotlight Student Success Story

7/26/22

ASPSF ‘built a foundation of hope for my academic future,’ Russellville alumna says

Heather Meeks is the single mother of a beautiful four-year-old. She’s also a first-generation college graduate, a social worker, a generous volunteer in her community, and about to add “graduate student” to her resume.  But four years ago, things weren’t looking as bright. After months of doctor visits, Heather’s newborn daughter, Payton-Elaine, was diagnosed with silent aspiration, asthma, and laryngomalacia. This required trips to Arkansas Children&rs... Read More
at 7/26/22
Student Success Story