Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund – Randolph County Awards Three Students for Fall 2020

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Ripley Owens

Pocahontas, AR Oct. 12 – Three single-parent students were presented scholarship award checks totaling $3,600 by the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Randolph County on September 23.  Ripley Owen (top), Brianna Emmons (middle), and Rachael Gardner (bottom) 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. An annual silent auction held at the BRTC Faculty and Staff Christmas lunch is the group’s largest fundraiser and supports the long-time commitment to honor former Pocahontas High School instructor, Mary Sallee’s legacy as a champion of single parents. The volunteer team’s efforts are supported by the state office of ASPSF and local Program Manager, Wendy Stotts. \"\"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. A follow-up of 2017 scholarship recipients revealed that 87% of students stayed in school or completed their programs and 65% of graduates were employed full-time within 3-6 months of graduation.

 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 or visit BRTC\’s website.