LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 11, 2025) — Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to recognize Miracle Haislip as the September 2025 Student of the Month.

This summer, Haislip graduated from Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Finishing in the top three of her class, she was inducted into the national honor society Phi Theta Kappa for her academic excellence.

Haislip’s journey to nursing began with her grandmother, who raised her and inspired her passion for caregiving.

 “We were like two peas in a pod,” Haislip said. “With her being in and out of the hospital, I got to see a lot and learn a lot from such a young age. Of course, I wanted to take care of my grandmother the way she always took care of me. My passion for helping others — nursing others to good health — sparked then, and ever since, I knew nursing was for me.”

When Haislip learned she was pregnant with her daughter, Kenedi, now 2 years old, she decided to return to her hometown in Howard County and pursue her education.

“I knew going back to school would motivate me to work harder,” she said.

Haislip first received an ASPSF scholarship in Spring 2023, after learning about the program through Cossatot’s Career Pathways Program. The scholarship and ASPSF’s wraparound services supported her through her studies as she balanced motherhood and school.

She used her scholarship checks to pay for utilities, nursing supplies, and child care for Kenedi. ASPSF’s workshops taught her new information, and she appreciated the extra resources they provided.

Today, Haislip is working as a full-time geriatric nurse at Little River Nursing & Rehab and works as needed at The Blossoms Rehab & Nursing Center in Nashville, building the career she once only dreamed of.

But her journey hasn’t been without challenges.

 “A big challenge I overcame was ‘mom guilt,’” Haislip said. “During nursing school, I missed a lot of big moments — first steps, new words, birthdays. I felt terrible, but I knew in the end I was doing this for her, so she can have a great life.”

Already, Haislip’s sacrifice is reaping rewards for her daughter, Kenedi.

“My daughter is only two, but I have noticed when I would study my textbooks at home, she would be more interested in her books and learning new things!” Haislip said. “She’s recently moved up an age level at her day care due to her doing so well.”

ASPSF is honored to walk alongside Haislip in her educational and career journey. By providing flexible scholarships and wraparound services such as mentoring, workshops, and community connections, ASPSF empowers single parents like Haislip to stay in school, graduate, and build brighter futures for their families.

For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Kate Adcox at kadcox@aspsf.org or 501.393.2454.

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is dedicated to ending single parent poverty through higher education. Since 1990, ASPSF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and provided services that empower single parents to complete their education and pursue higher-paying careers. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. Learn more at aspsf.org.

ASPSF Student of the Month Miracle Haislip graduated this summer from Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas as a licensed practical nurse

.
Armed with her LPN license, Haislip works at Little River Nursing & Rehab and The Blossoms Rehab & Nursing Center in Nashville.

 

Haislip is a role model for her daughter, who has moved up an age level at her day care as she watches her mom study.