Little Rock, Ark. (May 5, 2026) — 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.
In Hempstead County, ASPSF awarded a $1,600 scholarship to Heather Smith of Hope, who is studying online at Reach University to earn her bachelor’s in education and become a middle school teacher.
“The scholarship has helped me with not having to stress about groceries,” Smith said.
ASPSF scholarships 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 careers. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. Learn more at aspsf.org.