Single parents pursuing higher education this fall can now apply for financial assistance through the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, which began accepting applications for its fall 2025 scholarships on Aug. 1.
The nonprofit organization offers scholarships of up to $1,600 to eligible single mothers and fathers who are working toward skilled-trade certificates, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees that lead to professional careers with family-supporting wages, a news release said.
Applications must be submitted online at aspsf.org/apply with required documentation by Sept. 1. Both first-time applicants and returning recipients are eligible to apply.
“If awarded, single parents directly receive the financial aid and can use it to meet their real-life needs, such as rent, child care, gas, or groceries, while they go to school,” the release said.
ASPF staff and volunteers also provide wraparound services such as mentoring, career coaching and workshops to help recipients balance school, work and parenting.
ASPSF summer 2025 scholarship recipient Alexis Bland of Garland County said the support has eased the financial and time-related burdens of pursuing college while raising children.
“I never thought I’d be able to go to college because of having children and the time that it takes to raise them but also the financial stress,” she said in the release. “The burden this scholarship has lifted off my shoulders, and so many other parents who are trying to get an education, is not a light one.”
To qualify, applicants must have a GED or high school diploma and not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA, enrollment in at least one three-hour online or in-person course, and a medium to low income. Participants are also expected to engage fully in the program by attending workshops and maintaining regular contact with their local program manager.
ASPSF awards scholarships for the spring, summer and fall semesters. The next application window will open in January for spring 2026 scholarships. A full list of eligibility requirements is available at aspsf.org/eligibility.
Last year, the organization awarded more than 800 scholarships totaling $1.1 million, the release said, made possible through the support of individual donors, foundations, businesses and community partners.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at [email protected] or 501-550-6304.
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