At its core, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is exactly what its name suggests: a scholarship fund for single parents across the state as they pursue their first technical or bachelor’s degree. Yet for many recipients, “gap filler” may hit closer to capturing the impact ASPSF makes on their family.
Takida Jester, an ASPSF student set to graduate with a health care management degree this fall, describes her relief at discovering a scholarship that supported not just her coursework, but her entire household.
“It is probably the first I’ve known of a scholarship that would allow you to use that funding toward whatever you need,” she says. “That was a weight lifted off, because I didn’t stress so much about my bills.”
The flexibility of the scholarships are by design. In addition to being a single, custodial parent, recipients must live at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
“They know what their family needs, and we’re giving them the unrestricted funds to do that,” says Jenn Morehead, ASPSF CEO. “We have found that a lot of the single parents we serve are one minor emergency away from having to drop classes and completely derail the progress they’re making. So by providing them a scholarship up to $1,600, that is a lifeline.”
Morehead took the helm at ASPSF last year as only the third leader in the organization’s 35 year history. She stepped into the role with experience that blended nonprofit and higher education work. This background makes her well-suited as she and her team enter an “all gas and no breaks” season for the continually expanding organization.
Headquartered in Little Rock, ASPSF spans the state, serving 68 Arkansas counties plus the bordering Bowie County in Texas. Annually, that translates to more than $1 million in scholarships awarded. And while generational impact is hard to quantify, Morehead reports recipients experience an average income growth of $20,000 post-program.
For Jester, the impact was deeply personal.
“I wanted to be able to show my children what success looks like,” she says. “And when I got involved with ASPSF, it was a push, them believing in what I was able to do.”
Credit: Jason Masters
While the heart of the program is still the scholarships, services now offer far more, including a requirement for students to attend two ASPSF workshops each term. According to Morehead, sessions are tailored to fit parents’ busy schedules and their real-world needs. Topics range from financial literacy and resume building to healthy cooking on a budget and basic car repair. ASPSF staff also work to connect students with resources.
“If we hear they’re struggling with food, we can connect them with food pantries. If we have a student who has recently left an abusive relationship, we will also connect them with therapy at no cost to them,” Morehead says. “We provide wraparound support to better position them to be successful.”
Organizations and individuals are welcome to partner with ASPSF’s work. Last year, the nonprofit received nearly 400 applications in Pulaski County alone.
“This is also often where volunteer support comes in,” Morehead says, noting volunteers help sort through applications, interview potential students and even facilitate student development workshops. “I try to encourage people all the time to think about your area of expertise. People often don’t think they have those kinds of talents.”
And finally, volunteers are vital for helping with ASPSF events, like the upcoming Day of Hope in October. The reimagined, elevated luncheon will allow ASPSF to celebrate their standout partners while raising funds and awareness for their mission: hope for Arkansas’ single parents.
A DAY OF HOPE
Benefitting Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. | City Center
Info: aspsf.org/hope
A Day of Hope & Celebration
ASPSF will celebrate three standout organizations and its first distinguished alum at its Day of Hope luncheon this fall where scholarship recipient Takida Jester will give the keynote address. Chosen by ASPSF staff, each honoree truly partners with and helps further the nonprofit’s mission.
Distinguished Alum: Tikima Simpkins
Tikima Simpkins, a 2024 graduate of UA Fort Smith and current graduate student, embodies ASPSF’s mission and hope. As a former scholarship recipient, she proactively supports ASPSF students through her work at National Park College.
Outstanding Educational Partner: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
A long-time educational partner, UA Little Rock fully embraces ASPSF’s work. Beyond assisting students with financial aid and career pathways, many employees volunteer their time serving on review panels, conducting interviews and helping students with ASPSF scholarship applications.
Outstanding Philanthropy Partner: Arkansas Community Foundation
The Arkansas Community Foundation offers multifaceted support to ASPSF’s mission. Whether it’s developing training materials or connecting donors to ASPSF, it consistently champions the organization’s programs.
Outstanding Corporate Partner: Arvest Bank
Arvest Bank is a hands-on partner for ASPSF. Across the state, employees teach financial literacy courses, serve on scholarship review panels and prep materials for recruitment fairs. Arvest also helps fund scholarships, events and much-needed technology upgrades.
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
HAIR & MAKEUP
LORI WENGER
CLOTHING
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