Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Program

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to single parents across Arkansas, helping them enhance their income-earning potential through education. Founded in 1990, ASPSF builds upon the success of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, which was established in 1984.

Mission and Impact

The mission of ASPSF is to offer a culture of support, empowering single parents to build a more secure future for themselves and their children. By providing scholarships and career-oriented programs, ASPSF aims to reduce financial barriers that might prevent single parents from pursuing higher education. This effort is crucial given Arkansas' high child poverty rate, where lack of access to higher education is a significant factor.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an ASPSF scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Residency: Must live in Arkansas or Bowie County, Texas.
• Single Parent Status: Defined as never married, widowed, divorced, legally separated, or married but living apart and with a pending divorce.
• Parenting Status: Must be the custodial parent or guardian with physical custody of at least one dependent child.
• Living Status: Must be the only adult in the home with children or live with relatives who are not partners or co-parents.
• Education Requirements: Must have earned a high school diploma or GED and not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Income and GPA Requirements: Household income must be no more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is required.
• FAFSA Application: Most applicants must complete or be in the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Support

ASPSF awards scholarships three times a year, with amounts varying based on the discretion of the scholarship provider. The organization relies on donor support and operates with a budget framework typical of nonprofits of similar size.

Relationship with Other Organizations

ASPSF is part of a broader network that includes the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA), which has awarded millions in scholarships and provides a range of support services to recipients. The success of SPSFNWA contributed to the expansion of ASPSF to nearly every county in Arkansas.