Single Mother or father Scholarship Ignites Change

Excessive above the whir of dashing vehicles and the rippling of the Arkansas River, Athena crouches on a metal girder whereas welding atop Little Rock’s I-30 bridge. Stinger in hand, she fuses angle iron to purple iron.

“I’m doing what I’ve at all times wished to do. It’s loopy!” stated the 33-year-old from Van Buren County. “Arkansas Single Mother or father Scholarship Fund has inspired me from the get-go and has stood behind me since I began my journey all through college and into my welding profession.”

Somewhat greater than a yr in the past, her life was very totally different. Athena cleaned properties for a dwelling, and she or he and her 6-year-old daughter, Gabby, lived with Athena’s mother and stepdad in Fairfield Bay. Then someday, Athena determined she was uninterested in counting on others. She wanted to point out her daughter be impartial.

A two-time ASPSF recipient, Athena (middle) now works full-time as a welder. She’s pictured right here together with her daughter, Gabby, and ASPSF Program Supervisor Kim Paul-Williams.

Quickly after, Athena and Gabby moved into their very own place, and Athena enrolled at Arkansas Welding Academy, her dream since taking a store class in highschool. The 2 lived off Athena’s financial savings and ASPSF scholarship checks.

Throughout the tense moments, Athena discovered solace by means of the nonprofit. “After I went to the scholarship ceremony, it made me really feel not so alone — that there have been extra individuals like me,” she stated.

Inside eight months of beginning commerce college, Athena was employed at D.T. Learn Metal Co. Inc. as the corporate’s first feminine welder. Right this moment, Athena is incomes $30 an hour and finding out to change into an authorized welding inspector. It will permit her to earn more money, journey, and spend extra time with Gabby.

“I couldn’t have finished it with out ASPSF’s donors,” Athena stated. “You set meals on the desk, and also you helped me hold a constructive outlook and hold going ahead.”

Athena’s daughter is her largest fan, leaving “I really like you” notes round their dwelling to apply her letters. “Gabby brags on me and loves to inform all people, ‘My mother’s a welder on the bridge!’” Athena stated.