ASPSF raises $134K at A Day of Hope

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) raised $134,000 at its fourth annual A Day of Hope luncheon Sept. 18 in Little Rock, an 18% increase over the previous year.

From left, Jenn Morehead, Cara Brookins, Bailey Hutcheson, and CJ Summerville.

The record-setting total will help fund approximately 83 full-time scholarships for single parent students working toward degrees and professional credentials. ASPSF provides financial aid and support services in 68 Arkansas counties and Bowie County, Texas.

More than 150 guests gathered at Next Level Events to recognize the accomplishments of single parent students, ASPSF alumni, and community partners.

“When we invest in a single parent’s education, the impact reaches beyond one scholarship or semester,” said Jenn Morehead, CEO of ASPSF. “Earning a degree or credential opens new doors for our students and shows their children what’s possible through the pursuit of higher education. A Day of Hope is a powerful reminder of that.”

FOX16 News anchor and former single parent Donna Terrell returned this year as event emcee. The program recognized partners whose contributions have had a direct impact on the lives of ASPSF students and alumni. Bank OZK, North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas, and 2023 ASPSF alumna Bailey Hutcheson were awarded as the year’s Outstanding Partners.

Keynote Cara Brookins shares her story as a single parent.

Best-selling author and public speaker Cara Brookins delivered the keynote address, where she shared her journey from ASPSF scholarship recipient to author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. She reflected on the determination it takes to pursue a degree as a single parent; the perseverance she’s seen from others with shared experiences; and the impact that access, support and encouragement can have on a single parent’s trajectory.

“The money ASPSF gave me was spent years ago, but the scholarship is right here, hard at work,” Brookins said in her speech. “ASPSF and A Day of Hope is doing things that will lead to growth for every single recipient. These students are all eventually going to do things that overshadow and outshine the label they started [school] with, and when they do, their children and communities will feel the impact of what’s being done through A Day of Hope.”

ASPSF alumnus CJ Summerville, who works as a math teacher for Conway Public Schools, also took the stage to share his unique path to higher education while raising two young sons as a single father. During his speech, he reflected on the role ASPSF played in helping him balance parenthood, education, and the pursuit of a career that provided purpose and greater stability to him and his family.

Donna Terrell of Fox 16 News emceed the event.

Stories like Brookins’ and Summerville’s demonstrate the long-term impact of ASPSF’s work. In addition to financial assistance, the organization provides mentoring, professional development, and other resources designed to help students complete their education.

A Day of Hope was made possible by sponsors, donors, volunteers and community advocates from across the state. Presenting sponsors included Carol and Witt Stephens, The Rebsamen Fund, and Tiger Correctional Services. ASPSF thanks Marge Schueck and an anonymous donor for their generous day-of challenge gifts, which helped inspire giving during the event.