Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund accepting Summer 2023 scholarship applications

Jen Para

Eligible single parents are invited to apply for Summer 2023 scholarships at aspsf.org/applynow. The deadline to apply is March 15.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) awards scholarships up to $1,200 to eligible single parents who are attending college or obtaining technical training. A full list of eligibility guidelines is available at aspsf.org/ eligibility.

“ASPSF has impacted me by allowing me to drive to Jonesboro three days a week for classes without having to worry about gas money,” said Batesville resident Kailee who’s studying communication disorders at Arkansas State University.

If awarded, recipients can use the funds for any combination of school and/or household expenses that remove a financial burden and help the student stay in school.

Scholarships are combined with wraparound services — including workshops, mentorships, and tutoring — to create a support system helping single parents along their higher education journey to graduation and professional employment.

If a single parent is not attending summer school, he or she can apply later for another semester. Here are upcoming ASPSF scholarship application openings and deadlines:

Fall 2023 Semester: Apply between April 15-June 15, 2023

Spring 2024 Semester: Apply between Aug. 15-Oct. 15, 2023

For more information about Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund — which has awarded more than $30 million in scholarships across the state to single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479-318-2885

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund works to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org. N

Housh New Director of Nursing at UACCB

Jodie

Hightower

Ramonda Housh has been hired as the director of nursing at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Housh most recently served as clinical research coordinator at Baptist Clinical Research Institute in Jonesboro.

“I am excited to join the nursing department at UACCB and look forward to contributing to the education of future nurses for Batesville and our surrounding communities. I have been in nursing education since 2004 and am impressed with the hard work and dedication of the UACCB nursing faculty, staff, and students,” Housh said. “It is evident that the nursing program has the support of the UACCB administration, faculty, staff, and its community partners. I am proud to be a member of the team!”

Housh, a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, has 30 years of nursing and higher education experience in the areas of instruction, research, accreditation, program development, grant management, assessment, and academic administration. She currently serves on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing as the chair of the education committee.

“I am excited to bring Ramonda’s expertise and experience in nursing education and administration to our team. The nursing program, UACCB, and the community will all benefit from having a proven leader in this role,” said Becky Warren, dean of health professions.

Housh is known as a leader in nursing education through-out the state and has been instrumental in developing policy, partnerships, and programs. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to add Ramonda as our director of nursing at UACCB. She brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and experience in nursing education and nurse preparation programs,” Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for academics said. “Her experiences in nursing education bring a great deal of opportunity for UACCB to grow our nursing and allied health programs and increase our capacity to serve the needs of our communities and our healthcare partners.” Housh began her new role January 9, 2023. N