Longtime partner Entergy Arkansas has been empowering single parent students for more than a decade.
Each year since at least 2008, the company has sponsored scholarships for single parents, said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service at Entergy and Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund board member.
“We believe everyone who wants to further their education should have the opportunity to do so because it puts them in a better position to improve the quality of life for themselves and their family,” Ventrell said. “Providing financial support and encouragement for single parents empowers them to pursue their goals.”
Recipients whose scholarships are funded by the utility company’s generous grant are known as Entergy Scholars, including four single moms this year.
Entergy Scholar Ashley is working on a bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. After graduation, she plans to work as a counselor working with at-risk children.
“Being awarded a scholarship has alleviated financial stress for my family by helping to pay bills and the remaining balance of my tuition,” she said. “But it also allowed for me to provide for my son’s birthday. I am beyond grateful for Entergy Arkansas’ support.”
Ventrell said Entergy Arkansas is dedicated to giving back “to the communities where we live and work.”
“There is a large single parent population in Arkansas,” he continued. “We strive to support them in any way we can. Not only do we support education, but we also focus on supporting efforts to help with food insecurities and low income solutions across the state.
“Whether it’s through back-to-school events, classroom instruction, providing scholarships for higher education, summer internships for college students, or adult workforce development programs, Entergy is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work”
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