‘Education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth,’ says ASPSF volunteer

Dr. Kalebyra Mitchell (center) attended ASPSF’s The Lunch Break with Philander Smith University colleagues and former ASPSF recipients Carmen Bradford (left) and Kathy Anderson. 

Over a few short months, Dr. Kalebyra Mitchell has become an incredible champion for single parents in Central Arkansas. To say thank you, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has named her the October 2023 Volunteer of the Month.

Kalebyra was first introduced to ASPSF this spring and “jumped at the opportunity to make a difference.”

“I strongly believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth,” she said. “By volunteering, I believe that I am supporting the recipient’s educational journey and helping to break the cycle of poverty.”

For the Dollars For Scholars Online Auction, she gathered in-kind donations that helped raise over $5,400 for single parent scholarships. 

In fact, when Kalebyra met with ASPSF Development Manager Wendy Stotts at Trio’s to talk about volunteer opportunities, they left with a $100 gift certificate for the auction from the restaurant.

Kalebyra also assisted the ASPSF team with securing sponsorships and stuffing invitations for the statewide event The Lunch Break, which raised about $75,000. She described the Oct. 10 fundraiser as her favorite ASPSF moment. 

“The event was truly remarkable, featuring heartwarming stories shared by a student keynote speaker,” Kalebyra said. “Witnessing a room full of individuals who strongly believed in the organization’s mission was powerful and inspiring.”

Dr. Kalebyra Mitchell (second from left) volunteers to stuff invitations to ASPSF event The Lunch Break. 

Kalebyra also advocates for ASPSF and single parent students in her role as the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Philander Smith University (PSU).  

“PSU has not only had students participate in the ASPSF scholarship program, they also have employed the recipients, one being our librarian and the other a coworker in the Office of Institutional Advancement,” she said.

Thank you, Kalebyra, for all that you do to support our students on their educational journeys!