Ripley Owen, BRTC Student
POCAHONTAS, AR Mar. 8 – Three single-parent students were presented scholarship award checks totaling $2,400 by the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Randolph County recently. Ripley Owen, Brianna Emmons, and Rachael Gardner were presented awards funded by ASPSF Randolph County. Ripley is a student at Black River Technical College. Brianna is a student at ASU Newport. Rachael Gardner, a recent graduate of BRTC, is continuing her education at Arkansas State University.
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s Randolph County program, led by a team of dedicated volunteers, serves single parents residing in Randolph County and currently enrolled in career-focused programs at approved colleges or trade schools. The volunteer team’s efforts are supported by the state office of ASPSF and local Program Manager, Shaila Creekmore.
Scholarships are funded by the efforts of volunteers, primarily comprised of BRTC Faculty and staff, and through grant funds secured by the state organization. The volunteer efforts are fueled by the desire to honor former Pocahontas High School instructor, Mary Sallee’s legacy as a champion of single parents.
With support from partners, donors and volunteers, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund works to break the cycle of poverty among single-parent families in Arkansas. ASPSF helps remove barriers to success through a holistic approach that includes tutoring, mentoring, developmental workshops and career coaching. Single Parent Scholarship Funds statewide award well over $1.5 million in scholarships each year.
For more information about Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund or to review the scholarship eligibility criteria, visit aspsf.org. For application deadlines or other questions, contact Randolph County volunteer, Ashley Conrey at 870/248-4000.