Ryan Hoffman of Boone County

Some people stumble into volunteerism. Quite literally in Ryan Hoffman’s case.

Two years ago, Ryan accidentally walked into a meeting at North Arkansas College, where he works in IT Services. He discovered a group of Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund volunteers and students chatting about scholarships, classes, and student success.

Curious, Ryan asked what was going on. When they explained the mission, they also asked if he wanted to help.

“I said yes!” Ryan said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And ASPSF is so grateful he did.

Ryan Hoffman (second from right) has been a dedicated ASPSF volunteer for two years, helping Program Manager Kim Paul-Williams (far left) and other Boone County volunteers serve single parent students. 

Since that fateful walk-in, Ryan has become a dedicated and active member of the Boone County ASPSF volunteer team. Whether he’s reviewing applications, interviewing applicants, helping with fundraising efforts, or cheering students on at scholarship award ceremonies, Ryan brings a thoughtful, steady presence to everything he does.

“The award program is my favorite because I can see all the students that we’re helping and know that I made a difference,” he said, adding that hearing students share their life stories — especially as they near graduation — makes it all real for him.

“It puts the achievement in perspective,” Ryan said.

Although Ryan isn’t a single parent himself, his empathy runs deep. He benefited from higher education and sees his volunteer work as a way to pay it forward in a meaningful, tangible way.

At the Fall 2024 scholarship ceremony, Ryan Hoffman (far left) and other ASPSF volunteers celebrated the single parent recipients. 

“I give my time because I know that we all need to work together to help us succeed as a society,” Ryan said. “Many times, people are put into or find themselves in situations that make life harder, like being a single parent. Giving my time to help those people is something I think is very important. We all succeed together by supporting each other.”

From all of us at ASPSF, thank you, Ryan, for showing up, stepping in, and staying involved. You’re helping build brighter futures for Arkansas families — one student, one scholarship, and one very fortuitous meeting at a time.