Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County


 

About

The mission Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County is to enable single parents to achieve self-sufficiency through post-secondary education. SPSFBC utilizes a holistic approach to removing barriers to education faced by low-income single parents residing in Benton County, Arkansas. Many employed single parents find themselves unable to achieve financial stability. Acknowledging that post-secondary credentials will advance them in the workplace, many single parents choose to return to school. Most scholarship recipients qualify for federal financial aid that covers direct school expenses. If a gap exists in aid, SPSFBC funds are used to pay the school first. Residual funds are used to pay basic living expenses, such as rent, utilities, daycare and transportation. Students submit eligible bills and SPSFBC disburses funds directly to vendors.  Funds for scholarships are fundamental components of the holistic barrier removal methodology used by SPSFBC to enhance student success. 

In 2018 we helped 119 single parents and their 193 children move closer to economic independence by providing scholarships and supportive services to help them attain their educational goals. Also, in 2018, twenty recipients earned their degree or credential. Of those 20, five continued to further their education and 15 are now employed in our local community. The average household income of those graduates when starting the SPSFBC program was just over $11,000 and the current average household income of those graduates reported to date is just over $45,000. They were able to reduce or eliminate government assistance and other community resources and are now living above the poverty level. In the spring 2018, SPSFBC launched a new follow-up program called the Graduate Advancement Plan (GAP). This program will continue to provide supportive services to our graduates and their children for up to 12 months after graduation. 

Ways to volunteer or be involved include serving on our Board, Advisory Council, Alumni Council, or committees which encourage scholarship recipients by participating in student events (Professional Development Conference, Student Benefit and Holiday Program), serves as a voice in the community - promoting program, encouraging candidates to apply, enlisting volunteers and donations, and speaking to churches or other organizations.

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