On May 18, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund began accepting applications for Fall 2022. Here is everything you need to know about how to apply for a single parent scholarship!
Why should I apply?
ASPSF’s goal is to ease the financial burden of single parents wanting to improve the quality of life for themselves and for their families. We do this through flexible scholarships that can be used for the biggest financial obstacles in the way of school. And we provide many services and resources to support single parents through their education journey to graduation and sustainable employment with family-supporting wages.
Where do I apply?
Go to aspsf.org/applynow and click the “Apply” button, which will take you to https://aspsf.submittable.com/submit where you can begin the application process.
What is the deadline for 2022 Fall Scholarships?
June 15
How much is an ASPSF scholarship?
Scholarships range anywhere from $300 to 1,200 per term. Award amounts are based on a variety of factors including enrollment status, credit hours, and length of program.
What is an ASPSF-approved school?
Our students attend a variety of in-person and online schools. We work with students to make sure that their school of choice is a quality program that offers a pathway to graduation and a career with family-supporting wages.
What types of degrees or certifications can I use the scholarship for?
We offer scholarships to students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and trade school programs.
Am I eligible for an ASPSF scholarship?
To be eligible for an ASPSF scholarship, students must:
- Live in one of the 66 Arkansas counties we service or Bowie County, Texas
- Meet our definition of “single parent”
- Be a legal resident of the United States (or a resident with DACA status)
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Not previously earned a bachelor’s degree
- Have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Have a household income typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Complete or are in the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, (not required for DACA students or those in an approved short-term training program)
- Attend or plan to attend an ASPSF-approved school or training program
- Pursue a degree or certification that leads to employment at family-supporting wages
More information about our eligibility requirements is here: aspsf.org/eligibility.
What are the steps to applying?
- Go to https://aspsf.submittable.com/submit
- Create a free account on this application portal
- Fill out the first part of the application, which is only a few questions to determine if you are eligible for the scholarship.
- Fill out the second part of the application, where you enter and upload additional information about your school, career goals, classes, finances, demographics, household, etc. TIP: You don’t have to complete the application all at once. You can save a draft and submit later!
- Hit “Apply” at the bottom of the page.
After you submit your application, ASPSF will review it and let you know if you qualify. New applicants will then be invited to an interview.
Do I have to write an essay for the application?
No! But you will be asked to answer a few short answer questions: why did you choose your education program, what do you plan to do after you graduate, and what are your goals for the semester.
What documents will I need to provide in the application?
Before submitting your application, you’ll have to provide some documents including:
- Proof of your single-parent status
- The first two pages of your most recent 1040 Federal Tax Return
- Your Pell Grant or FAFSA student aid report
- Your unofficial school transcript; official transcripts should be sent to the email indicated in the application
- Your current class schedule
- A signed ADHE release (we provide this!)
- A signed media release (we provide this!)
More information about the required documents is here: aspsf.org/required-documents
I’m a returning applicant, is the application process different for me?
Not at this time. Currently, in the new portal, all applications are the same.
I missed the June 15 deadline! What do I do?
You can apply for a Spring 2023 scholarship. The deadline to apply for that cycle is October 15. We will announce on our website and social media channels in the coming months when the portal will open.
I still have questions! Who can I ask?
Send us an email at info@aspsf.org!
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