Navigating the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Eligibility and Application Guide

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is dedicated to helping single parents achieve economic self-sufficiency through education. Since 1990, ASPSF has awarded over $50 million in scholarships and support services to single parents in Arkansas pursuing higher education and better-paying jobs. The scholarships are designed to be flexible, addressing the real-life financial needs of single parents, such as childcare, gas, car repairs, and rent.

Understanding the ASPSF Mission

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ending single-parent poverty. For more than 30 years, the ASPSF has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children.

Who is Eligible? Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, applicants must meet specific guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the scholarships are awarded to those who need them most and are committed to completing their education. The general eligibility criteria include:

Educational Attainment: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED but cannot have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Priority consideration is given to applicants who are pursuing a degree, certificate, or credential at the next level than they have previously achieved and have not earned more than 150 credit hours. Those with a bachelor’s are encouraged to apply if they are seeking a higher level of education and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if funds are available.
Enrollment Status: Applicants must be enrolled in at least one 3-credit-hour course.
Academic Standing: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.
Income Guidelines: Applicants must meet specific income guidelines, demonstrating medium-to-low income. Income must be within 150% of the poverty guidelines for residents of Pope or Yell county, Arkansas.
Residency: The applicant must be a current resident of Arkansas. NOTE: ASPSF doesn’t accept applications from single parents living in Benton, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Sevier, Washington, or White County. For residents of Pope or Yell County, Arkansas, you may be eligible for funding.
Single Head of Household: Applicants must be single, defined as unmarried, legally separated, divorced, or widowed, with a child under 18 in the home, either in joint or full custody.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for an ASPSF scholarship is a straightforward process conducted through an online portal. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Visit the ASPSF Website: Go to aspsf.org/applynow to access the online application form.
Complete the Online Form: Fill out all required fields on the application form.
Submit Supporting Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for submission.

Required Documents

Both new and returning students need to provide specific documents to support their application. These documents help ASPSF verify eligibility and assess the applicant's needs.

Read also: Grants for Single Parents

For New Students:

Proof of Enrollment: Obtained from your institution's registrar office.
Current Official College Transcript: Obtained from your institution's registrar office after final semester grades have posted. Official transcripts from current school.*Please note: an OFFICIAL transcript must be sealed (unopened) and stamped or signed by the registrar. EScript-safe transcripts will be accepted.
Proof of Dependents and Income: Submit a copy of the first page of your most recent federal tax return listing dependents and income.
Three References: Obtained from individuals not related to you, familiar with your life experiences and character. Must be signed and include complete contact information.
Personal Essay: Introduce yourself and your family. Explain why you chose this course of study and your aspirations. Feel free to include any information helpful to the Selection Committee. Minimum 1-page, double-spaced.
Copy of valid, unexpired, Arkansas state-issued photo ID: Mandatory for all first-time applicants. International students must submit a green card indicating legal residency status and expiration date.

For Returning Students:

Proof of Enrollment: Obtained from your institution's registrar office.
Current Official College Transcript: Obtained from your institution's registrar office after final semester grades have posted.
Proof of Dependents and Income: Submit a copy of the first page of your most recent federal tax return listing dependents and income. Please contact us if you are pursuing a certification of proficiency.

Application Deadlines

It is crucial to adhere to the application deadlines to be considered for the scholarship. The deadlines are:

Spring Semester: January 1 - February 1
Fall Semester: August 1 - September 1

All applications must be submitted through the online portal by the specified deadline.

Scholarship Awards and Usage

The ASPSF awards scholarships ranging from $400 to $1,600, depending on the number of enrolled credit hours. If awarded, single parents directly receive the financial aid and can use it to pay for daily household expenses - like child care, groceries, and gas - while going to school. These scholarships for single parents are made possible thanks to generous donors, organizations, schools, businesses, and foundations who believe in the incredible power of education.

Additional Support and Services

Beyond financial aid, the ASPSF provides services to help single parents complete their education and pursue higher-paying jobs. ASPSF scholarships are designed to meet you where you are. The Scholars Fund provides supplemental financial assistance to single parents pursuing a course of instruction with the goal of completing their own education to improve their income-earning potential. Funds can be used for essential expenses such as books, tuition, childcare, utility bills, and car maintenance. These funds are made possible through generous private and corporate donations.