Arkansa’s single parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to recognize Bailey Pickle from Phillips County as our monthly student. Bailey’s history embodies resilience, determination and transformative educational strength.
Bailey is a single mother of her 2-year-old daughter, Whitley, and says her daughter is her greatest motivation.
“She has been my greatest blessing and I want to show her that everything is possible, regardless of the circumstances,” Bailey said.
After losing her job shortly after Whitley became one, Bailey realized that she would have more stability and opportunity for both.
“I decided to return to school because I wanted more for my life than what I had grown up and to give my daughter the life I didn’t have,” Bailey said. With the vision in mind, Bailey reintroduced in college determined to end what she started.
Currently studying at the Phillips Community College at the University of Arkansas, Bailey has earned an impressive list of credentials. She has certificates in accounting, business and general studies together with affiliated degrees in business management and medical office technology. She also works towards her associated art in general education and associate art in business administration and proves that persistence and planning can open more doors.
Bailey’s path to ASPSF began when she discovered the scholarship while applying for her university’s financial support. She received her first award in the spring of 2025, and it immediately gave relief in a difficult time.
“I used it to pay on my car payment that I had received in the back when I lost my job. I lived paycheck to paycheck, so I made payments as much as I could, but with the help of the scholarship I was able to catch up on my car payment,” she said.
In addition to financial assistance, Bailey said ASPSFS wrapped services has had a lasting impact. Through workshops on topics such as credit repair and financial literacy, she learned valuable life skills that are not always taught in the classroom.
“A workshop helped me monitor my credit and gave me tips on how to build my credit,” she said. “It was a great help.”
Today, Bailey is working full time as an administrative assistant at the Phillips County Health Unit, where she discovered her passion for the medical field.
“When I started my job at the health department, I knew I really liked the medical field and would stay in this profession,” she said. “I hope to continue working there and one day move into the billing department.”
Despite the demands of her job, courses and motherhood, Bailey has never let obstacles define her.
“I’m proud of myself,” she said. “I never thought I would be able to go back to school when I had my daughter because my support system was very thin. Being able to participate in online classes while working full time and taking care of my daughter, taught me that something is possible with the mindset of ending what I started.”
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed – especially at home. Whitley, even at 2 years old, is already inspired by his mother’s example.
“She has wanted to learn more as she sees me reading my textbooks or working with class work,” Bailey said. “I just know she wants to do so well in school when she starts.”
Bailey says ASPF has provided more than financial aid it has given her hope.
“I want to tell donors thanks for putting your donations in a scholarship that helps single parents,” she said. “You have no idea how much it helps us as single parents to have a support system behind us, especially from people who haven’t even met us personally. It gives me a sense of hope and relief that no one could understand.”
Through her stamina and passion for growth, Bailey exemplifies what it means to build a future through education. Her story is a testimony to Aspf’s mission: to strengthen single parents to achieve brighter futures for themselves and their families.
For more information about ASPSF or to support single parents in Arkansas, visit www.aspsf.org.