Nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) celebrated the winners of its 2024 Outstanding Partner Awards at The Lunch Break, a statewide fundraiser held at Little Rock’s City Center on Oct. 17.

In total, The Lunch Break raised over $85,000 to help low-income single parents stay in school, graduate, and jumpstart professional careers with family-supporting wages. The awards program recognized ASPSF’s community partners for their exceptional generosity and commitment to single parent success. Here are the winners:

The Outstanding Corporate Partner Winner was Simmons Bank. Since at least 2016, Simmons Bank has been a steadfast financial supporter of ASPSF, generously donating thousands of dollars to help fund scholarships and support services for single parents. Simmons employees also volunteer and serve on the nonprofit’s Board of Directors. (Finalists: Southern Bancorp and Wear & Share Inc.)

The Outstanding School Partner Winner, Enrollment Over 2,500, was University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College.  UA – PTC’s unwavering commitment, both in resources and in the passion of its faculty and staff, truly aligns with ASPSF’s mission to uplift single parents and equip them for a brighter future. The school sponsors ASPSF events, works directly with its single parent students, and volunteers with the ASPSF. (Finalists: Texarkana College and University of Arkansas at Little Rock)

The Outstanding School Partner Winner, Enrollment Under 2,500, was East Arkansas Community College. From financial aid and student support services to advisors and marketing, EACC is a strong supporter that helps ASPSF foster a culture of education among single parent families. Over the past two years, ASPSF student numbers have grown immensely, greatly due to the school’s actions to promote and support our mission of ending single parent poverty. (Finalists: Arkansas Northeastern College and North Arkansas College)

The Outstanding Philanthropy Partner Winner was Edelma Simes of West Helena. Simes has been an unwavering pillar of support for the ASPSF, dedicating her time, resources, and energy to the ASPSF cause with unparalleled generosity and dedication for over 20 years. (Finalists: Freda Calloway and Mary Kate Snow)

In addition to the awards program, the event included inspiring stories from current recipient Raquelle Roulette and past scholarship recipient Kwami Abul-Bey. Keynote speaker Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation also shared a message about the power of education to transform lives, uplift families, and create brighter futures for generations to come.

A special thank you to The Lunch Break Presenting Sponsor Carol and Witt Stephens and Gold Sponsors Baptist Health, Conger Wealth Management, Little Rock Public Radio, Simmons Bank, The Rebsamen Fund, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College. A list of all sponsors is available online at aspsf.org/lunchbreak.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at [email protected] or 501-550-6304.