When Randelle Pickens decided to go back to school, she hoped it would lead to a more secure future for herself and her teenage son. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her decision would start to shape his path, too.
Since enrolling in the social work program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith last fall, Randelle has seen a shift in her 17-year-old son, Oliver — and not just in his grades, which have gotten better. He’s taken on a part-time job, stays on top of his schoolwork, and, according to Randelle, never complains about the balancing act.
“I am so proud of him, and I know he’s proud of me as well,” she said. “He’s even asked me to help him apply for scholarships for when he goes to college.”
Randelle Pickens (center) receives her Spring 2025 Scholarship with her son, Oliver, from Program Manager Christi Brown.
This kind of mutual motivation is part of what makes Randelle such a standout, and why Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to name her as the May Student of the Month. This single mom works full time as a Family Advocate with 100 Families of Sebastian Countytakes classes full time with straight A’s, and manages it all as a single parent.
“Getting nominated for this award brought a big smile to my face!” she shared.
Randelle’s path back to college started when she needed to take continuing education classes for her job. She found herself back in “school mode” and realized she wasn’t too far from being able to earn a bachelor’s.
Randelle and her son, Oliver.
“I thought, ‘Why not go back to school?’” she said. “I was working with mental health therapists, and they encouraged me and guided me on how to get the licenses that they have. I realized I wasn’t too far off since I already had an associate degree.”
Randelle enrolled at UAFS and applied for a single parent scholarship, which she received in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. She says her ASPSF scholarship has helped keep her momentum going — not just by helping her buy a new laptop and cover bills but also by relieving some of the day-to-day pressure.
“If I could thank an ASPSF donor in person, I’d start by saying how grateful I am,” she said. “Your donation didn’t just help cover school expenses — it gave me a chance to keep going when things were tough.”
Beyond the financial help, Randelle has found a community through ASPSF, which helped her find additional scholarships and learn new skills through professional development workshops hosted by volunteers and locals in the River Valley community.
Randelle Pickens receives her Fall 2024 scholarship from Program Manager Christi Brown.
“Randelle is a wonderful student,” ASPSF Program Manager Christi Brown said. “I commend her on her ability to balance work, school, and family. She attends multiple workshops each semester, going above and beyond our program requirements. I am so proud of Randelle and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!”
Randelle’s long-term plan is to attend graduate school and become a licensed clinical social worker. Eventually, she hopes to open a private therapy practice.
Her story reminds us that scholarships aren’t just financial aid — they’re a vote of confidence that can help someone keep going when it matters most. And for Randelle, that support is already inspiring the next generation.
