— Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) raised $61,000 during its second annual Day of Giving on March 20, showing strong statewide support for single parents working toward a college degree.
This fundraising effort came as ASPSF awarded $659,600 in Spring 2026 scholarships to 453 single parents, helping student parents across 69 counties stay enrolled in college or trade school while supporting their families.
Across northern Arkansas, ASPSF awarded a total of $22,400 in financial aid to 15 students in Baxter, Fulton, Izard, and Sharp counties.
- In Baxter County, ASPSF distributed $10,000 to seven recipients, including Erin Denmark, who is studying for her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Arkansas State University. Her long-term goal is to become a certified therapist. She said: “This scholarship hasn’t just helped me financially; it has given me the courage to continue working towards my goals. Knowing that people are investing in me as a single parent is a reminder that my situation doesn’t limit my future and that I can build a better life for myself and my children.”
- In Fulton County, a $1,200 scholarship was awarded to Rachel Thompson. She is studying at Ozarka College to become a licensed practical nurse, and her long-term goal is to become a traveling registered nurse. She shared: “I enjoy setting a good example to my boys who are teenagers, and doing their homework is not always at the top of their priority list. I have enjoyed seeing the example that I set before them. There has been more than once I have set down to do my homework and my boys get their computer out and start on their own work after seeing me do it. This brings me joy!”
Terramissia Smith of Izard County celebrates her Fall 2025 scholarship with her son. She also received a Spring 2026 scholarship. (Photo Courtesy ASPSF) - In Izard County: ASPSF awarded $4,800 to three recipients, including Terramissia Smith. She is enrolled at the nursing school at Ozarka College, studying to become a licensed practical nurse with plans to become a registered nurse. She said: “Because of this scholarship, I have been able to stay enrolled full-time, remain motivated, and continue working toward my goal of becoming a nurse. More than just financial help, this program has given me encouragement and confidence to keep going, even during difficult times. Knowing that there are people who believe in me and my future means more than I can express. I am truly grateful for this scholarship; it has played a major role in helping me move closer to providing a better life for my family.”
- In Sharp County, $6,400 was distributed to four recipients, including Laken Hollis. She is a health science major at Ozarka College, planning to be in the nursing field. She shared: “I appreciate being seen as a single mother who is doing everything in her power to create a stable great life for their child. I do not have a large support system, so I am thankful for any of the assistance that I do receive. The extra financial assistance from ASPSF creates a safety net and takes some of the burden off of me. It’s greatly appreciated.”
ASPSF scholarships are a maximum of $1,600 per semester and can be used for expenses that often stand between a single parent and graduation, including child care, transportation, housing, utilities, and school-related costs. The financial aid is paired with support services to help these nontraditional students successfully balance school, work, and parenting.
“Day of Giving showed how deeply Arkansans believe in the determination of single parents who are working to create a better future for their families,” said Jenn Morehead. “Every gift helps remove barriers that can keep a student parent from finishing school and moving into a career with family-supporting wages.”
This year’s Day of Giving exceeded the nonprofit’s $45,000 goal, and the campaign raised nearly twice as much as last year.
The fundraiser coincides with National Single Parent Day and brought together donors, volunteers, community partners, and local supporters across the state to invest in the success of single parent families. For many recipients, this support means more than financial help. It means knowing someone believes in their future.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501.550.6304.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is dedicated to ending single parent poverty through higher education. Since 1990, ASPSF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and provided services that empower single parents to complete their education and pursue higher-paying
