Applications are now being accepted through September 1 for fall scholarships available to single parents in Baxter County through the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF). The scholarships, ranging from $400 to $1,600, are open to eligible students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, professional certificates, or skilled-trade programs.
So far in 2026, ASPSF has awarded eight scholarships totaling $10,800 to single parents in Baxter County. These funds assist parents in balancing education, work, and family responsibilities. One recipient, Erin Denmark of Cotter, is currently studying psychology at Arkansas State University and shared how the scholarship is changing her life.
“This scholarship hasn’t just helped me financially,” Denmark said. “It has given me the courage to continue working towards my goals. Knowing that people are investing in me as a single parent is a reminder that my situation doesn’t limit my future and that I can build a better life for myself and my children.”
The ASPSF aims to bolster communities by helping single parents achieve educational and workforce-related goals. According to Jenn Morehead, CEO of ASPSF, “Every parent deserves the opportunity to build a better future through education. When we remove barriers to earning a degree or workforce credential, families, employers, and communities all benefit.”
Since its establishment in 1990, ASPSF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships to single parents across Arkansas, enabling thousands to complete degrees, earn workforce credentials, and create more stable futures for their families.
To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria, including being a single parent, living in an eligible Arkansas county, holding a high school diploma or GED, and being enrolled in at least one three-credit-hour course. Additional requirements include maintaining a minimum 2.0 grade point average and meeting income eligibility guidelines.
For more details on eligibility and to apply online, visit aspsf.org/scholarships.