Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s mission is to provide a culture of support and equip single parents to navigate their futures with confidence.
479.551.2134
5401 Rogers Avenue, Suite 204, Fort Smith
aspsf.org
Did you know that single-parent families in Arkansas are almost three times as likely to live below the poverty line than two-parent families? Higher education can help close the gap, but balancing school on top of work and family responsibilities isn’t easy for single parents doing it all on their own.
That’s where Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) comes in.
The nonprofit provides flexible scholarships and resources to low-income single parents each semester. These scholarships create a support system helping nontraditional students stay in school, earn new degrees, and enter professional careers with family-supporting wages. Since 2013, 93% of ASPSF recipients in the River Valley have graduated or stayed in school!
Investing in single-parent families benefits not only the recipients but the entire Fort Smith community. Here are 5 reasons why investing in single-parent students is good for all of us:
- Retail Rallied
When single parents receive their scholarship check, they spend the funds on groceries, gas, school supplies, and clothing for their children. This infusion of spending power bolsters local retailers. - Service Sector Supported
From haircuts to dentist appointments, ASPSF students use their scholarship dollars for services they may have delayed to meet their family’s immediate needs. Local service providers thrive with the business. - Banks Boosted
By pairing scholarship funds with financial literacy workshops, ASPSF teaches single parents how to set up a savings account, CDs, a 529 plan, and more. This helps them manage their money better and prepares them for the higher income earned upon graduation. Plus, it brings new customers to local banks. - Schools Strengthened
ASPSF helps single parents stay in school and finish their education, which leads to higher enrollment and graduation rates at local schools like UAFS. Plus, when children see their parents studying hard, they are more likely to do well in their studies and make plans for college or trade school. - Workforce Widened
Single parents are highly motivated and eager to work to provide for their families. As they gain skills and enter the professional workforce, they contribute to a more skilled and reliable labor pool, which attracts employers and promotes economic development in the region.
Supporting single-parent students through ASPSF is a smart investment in Fort Smith’s future. The program creates a widespread positive impact by boosting local businesses, schools, and the workforce. To be part of this change, consider donating to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund and help build a brighter and more prosperous Fort Smith. Gifts made before 2024 ends will be matched, doubling your impact! Go now to aspsf.org/give to make a difference today.
Next month, we’ll showcase another nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free feature will be accepted beginning October 2024. Send inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com or call 479.782.1500.
