Single parents in Independence County have until Sept. 1 to apply for educational scholarships from the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF). The nonprofit is offering awards ranging from $400 to $1,600 to eligible applicants pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, professional certification, or skilled-trade program. Applications opened on Aug. 1 and can be completed at aspsf.org/scholarships.
This year, the program has already awarded $4,800 in scholarships to local recipients, helping four single parents in the community continue their education. Among the recipients is Courtney Sanchez of Batesville, who is studying early childhood education at Harding University. Sanchez expressed her plans to work for the Batesville School District in a pre-K classroom after completing her degree. “I hope to create a positive learning environment where [students] feel safe, loved, and excited to learn,” she said.
For many recipients, pursuing a degree is a balancing act, as single parents often juggle coursework, employment, parenting responsibilities, and other challenges. To support them, ASPSF combines flexible scholarship funding with mentorship, career guidance, workshops, and access to local resources.
“All parents deserve the opportunity to build a better future through education,” ASPSF CEO Jenn Morehead said. “When we remove barriers to earning a degree or workforce credential, families, employers and communities all benefit.”
To apply, candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including being a single parent, residing in an eligible Arkansas county or Bowie County, Texas, holding a high school diploma or GED, and pursuing at least a three-credit-hour course in a postsecondary program. Applicants must also maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and meet income requirements. Full details and the application form are available on the ASPSF website.
Both new and returning applicants are encouraged to complete submissions before the Sept. 1 deadline.