Volunteers with Heart: Alisha Williams and Katrina Young Empower Single Parents to Succeed

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to celebrate two incredible women — Alisha Williams and Katrina Young, both from Russellville in Pope County — as the October 2025 Volunteers of the Month. Although their volunteer journeys with ASPSF only started this past year, both have already made an inspiring impact on the lives of single parent students in the River Valley.

For Alisha Williams, her passion for volunteering is deeply rooted in personal experience.

“As the child of a single mom and someone who works with private scholarships at Arkansas Tech University, I know how transformational these types of programs can be, not just for a student but also for families and for generations,” she said.

Alisha, who serves as the executive director of advancement operations for the Arkansas Tech Foundation, has spent her first year as a volunteer helping with scholarship selection interviews, an experience she describes as truly inspiring.

“Since I’m fairly new, I know there’s a lot I haven’t had a chance to do yet,” she said. “But I can’t imagine that any will top scholarship selection interviews. My heart has been touched by those.”

Alisha added that she loves her service is making a direct impact on local families.

“I know there are so many obstacles for these students to get their degrees, but to be able to be a positive part of their journey is a blessing.” she said.

She loves being part of an organization that directly changes lives.

Katrina Young, originally from Texas, but has been a Russellville resident for eight years, shares that same passion for helping others succeed. As a scholarship administrator for the Arkansas Tech Foundation, Katrina first learned about ASPSF when her colleague brought her flyers to share with single parent students. From there, she quickly became a volunteer herself.

“My mother was a single mom, and I have seen firsthand how hard it is to raise children, work two jobs, and go to school,” Katrina said. “I wanted to give back and help single parents make it through college and through life with support.”

In her two months of volunteering, Katrina has helped review scholarship applications and interview candidates. She said one of her favorite moments so far was witnessing the positive impact of the program on someone she knows.

“I personally know a woman who has received the scholarship, and I’ve seen how it helps her not only financially but also mentally,” she said.

Another highlight for Katrina was attending the Arkansas Tech Involvement Fair alongside ASPSF Program Manager Michele Barraza.

“Her passion for what she does and her enthusiasm is contagious,” Katrina said.

For Katrina, volunteering with ASPSF is more than just giving her time, it’s about giving hope.

“I give my time to ASPSF because it takes a village,” she said. “No one can make it through life without the help of others. It is a pleasure and an honor to see the success of those who work so hard to provide a better future for the ones they are raising alone.”

ASPSF is deeply grateful for volunteers like Alisha and Katrina, whose compassion, dedication, and belief in the power of education help make the organization’s mission possible, empowering single parents to pursue higher education and build brighter futures for their families.