Arkansas Fund Awards $32K to Single Parents in 2026

Single parents juggling work, kids, and college dreams have a powerful ally in their corner, and applications are open right now.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is accepting applications through September 1 for scholarships ranging from $400 to $1,600. The nonprofit helps single parents pursue associate or bachelor's degrees, professional certificates, or skilled-trade credentials while managing the everyday challenges of raising a family alone.

This year alone, the organization awarded $32,000 to 23 Garland County residents. That's real money helping real families break through barriers that might otherwise keep education and better careers out of reach.

Hot Springs resident Caitlyn Morehead knows exactly what that support means. The National Park College graduate is now pursuing her bachelor's degree in business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello while working for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

The scholarship helped her save enough to move her children into an apartment. "ASPSF has lifted an overwhelming financial burden off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on completing my degree and building a better, more secure future for my children and myself," she shared.

The Ripple Effect

When single parents succeed in education, entire families and communities benefit. The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund doesn't just hand out money and walk away.

Recipients get mentorship, career guidance, workshops, and connections to community resources. These services help them navigate child care, transportation, and the delicate balance of school, work, and family responsibilities.

"All parents deserve the opportunity to build a better future through education," said ASPSF CEO Jenn Morehead. "When we remove barriers to earning a degree or workforce credential, families, employers, and communities all benefit."

The requirements are straightforward. Applicants must be single parents living in eligible Arkansas counties or Bowie County, Texas, with a high school diploma or GED. They need to enroll in at least one three-credit-hour course, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and meet income guidelines.

Both new and returning students can apply at aspsf.org/scholarships. Since 1990, the statewide nonprofit has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships, transforming countless lives one degree at a time.

For single parents dreaming of better careers and more secure futures, September 1 is the deadline to take that next step.