Single parents in Scott County have until Sept. 1 to apply for Fall 2026 scholarships from the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF).
Awards range from $400 to $1,600 and are available to eligible students pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, professional certificate, or skilled-trade program. Applications opened Aug. 1 at aspsf.org/scholarships.
In Scott County, ASPSF has awarded 2 scholarships totaling $3,200 in 2026 to Katie Houston and Julissa Mejia, both of Waldron. Houston is studying nursing at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Community College, while Mejia is a criminal justice major at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
“Because of this scholarship, I am able to pursue a college degree and create a better career path for my daughter,” Mejia said. “As a first-generation student, college never felt like an option growing up due to financial limitations. This support has given me the opportunity to continue my education and the confidence to believe that success is possible, not out of reach.”
For many single parents, earning a degree means balancing classes with full-time work, raising children, arranging transportation, and finding reliable child care. ASPSF pairs flexible scholarship funding with mentorship, career guidance, workshops, and connections to local resources so parents have support throughout their educational journey.
Higher education helps families achieve greater economic stability while preparing the nurses, teachers, skilled tradespeople, and other professionals River Valley communities depend on every day.
“Every parent deserves 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.”
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
● Be a single parent.
● Live in an eligible Arkansas county or Bowie County, Texas.
● Hold a high school diploma or GED.
● Be pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, professional certificate, or skilled-trade program.
● Be enrolled in at least one three-credit-hour course.
● Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
● Meet income eligibility guidelines and other program requirements.
Both new and returning applicants are encouraged to apply before the Sept. 1 deadline. Complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at aspsf.org/scholarships.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ending single-parent poverty through higher education. Since 1990, ASPSF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and provided the mentorship and support single parents need to complete their education and pursue higher-paying careers. With the help of volunteers and community partners, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. Learn more at aspsf.org.
