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Single parents in Drew 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 Drew County, ASPSF has awarded seven scholarships totaling $9,600 in 2026, helping local single parents continue their education while balancing work, family, and school. One of those parents is Steve Rodriguez of Monticello, who is studying radiology at University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College:
“I plan to finish this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and continue growing academically after graduation by earning my bachelor’s degree, with the goal of attending physician assistant school,” Rodriguez said. “I am motivated to do this not only for my future, but so my daughter can see that her dad is willing to work hard to provide for her, give her a better childhood than I had, and show her that even the hardest goals are possible.”
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.
Scholarships help parents prepare for the skilled careers that local employers need, strengthening both family financial stability and the workforce that keeps Southeast Arkansas growing.
"All parents deserve 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.
