Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

History of                                                   SPSF of Crawford and Sebastian Counties

The Crawford and Sebastian Counties affiliate of Single Parent Scholarship Fund began in the fall of 2004 with a board of directors. From that time until fall of 2006, United Way of Fort Smith Area incubated the organization.

During those years, the leadership was provided by board presidents Jean Boyett, Kathy Humiston, Cathy Williams and Deborah Avillion with guidance from Angela Tilley, United Way Executive Director.

The organization obtained its own 501(c)3 certificate in 2006 and hired a director, Christy Williams, who stayed until 2009. Linda Kaufenberg was hired as executive director in September 2009.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund is a United Way member agency. From 2005 to Spring 2010, 443 scholarships totaling $211,922 have been awarded.

“With more than 6,000 single parent families in the Fort Smith Area, there is a great need to encourage mothers and fathers to pursue their higher education. They will then be able to work as trained and highly skilled professionals, earn good salaries and provide their children with a higher quality of life. This will benefit the entire community and many generations to come.”        

Ralph Nesson, Executive Director
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund