SPRINGDALE, Ark.—August 10, 2015 — Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSF NWA) received a donation of $250,000 Sunday August 9, 2015 from Tyson Foods, Inc. for the Pathway to Prosperity Endowment Campaign.
The Pathway to Prosperity Endowment Campaign was launched to address the loss of $130,000 in annual scholarship funding. The donation from Tyson Foods helped the campaign reach $2.5 million toward its $3 million goal. This gift from Tyson Foods established the “Tyson Foods Graduate Scholarships.”
“We’re very proud to support educational opportunities for single parents, which positively impacts not only their families, but the entire Northwest Arkansas region,” said Annetta Tirey Director Corporate Social Responsibility. “Providing this contribution for the Pathway to Prosperity Endowment Campaign will help ensure their work supporting these families will continue far into the future.”
The SPSF NWA makes it their mission to help single parent families become financially stable and independent. They do this by providing direct financial assistance to low-income single parents who are pursuing a career-related course of study in order to gain sufficient employment to meet the basic needs of their families.
More information about the campaign, including giving levels and naming opportunities, can be found at www.spsfnwa.org/pathway-to-prosperity. To arrange a time to visit with a member of campaign leadership, SPSF NWA Executive Director – Jody Dilday, or Development Director – Joy Morris, call 479-935-4888.
About Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas
Founded in 1984, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSF NWA) helps single parents in Carroll, Madison and Washington counties build better, brighter futures by offering encouragement and access to higher education. A community supported effort, the program is designed to end poverty and create generations of prosperity. Each year SPSF NWA awards approximately $350,000 in scholarships to 135 recipients. The unique nature of the SPSF NWA scholarship allows students to pay living expenses – gas, groceries, child care, etc. – while pursuing their degree. SPSF NWA has a proven history of success. The average GPA of a SPSF NWA scholarship recipient is 3.3 and recipients have a retention/graduation rate of 83%. 42 single parent scholars graduated in the past two years with support from SPSF NWA and are embarking on professional careers here in Northwest Arkansas. Best of all, the children of these scholarship recipients are more likely to attend college and complete their education by following the example set for them by their parent. Scholarships are funded entirely by donations from individuals, businesses, civic and community groups, churches and foundations. For more information, or to apply for a scholarship, visit www.SingleParentScholarshipFundNWA.org.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest producers of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods that include leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. Tyson Foods provides a wide variety of protein-based and prepared foods products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, supplying customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 124,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.