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Aspire Scholarship Program

About Us

One of the best weapons to combat poverty is through education

National and state statistics show that there are a significant number of single parent families living at or below the poverty level in Jasper and Newton Counties. The majority are headed by individuals with only a high school education. With limited education, single parents have a difficult time finding professional jobs, and without good jobs they can’t adequately care for their families. Therefore many become dependent on government assistance. One of the best weapons to combat poverty is through education.

Our History

The Aspire Scholarship Program was created in 2010 and provides incentive scholarships to qualified, low-income, single parents who are pursuing a professional degree at a college, university, or technical school. The goal is to help them attain an education, graduate, and obtain well-paid, skilled employment, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter economic future for their family.

Board of Directors

Todd Taylor
Executive Director
I'm Todd Taylor, the Executive Director of the Aspire Board. I'm deeply passionate about our mission to help single parents continue their college education. I am excited to contribute my experience in fundraising, community outreach, and program development to further our impact on the community. I look forward to working in our community to achieve shared goals and make a meaningful difference through our work. I hope that the Aspire Scholarship Program continues to help many single parents. If you have any questions, please let me know. Sincerely, Todd Taylor
Melissa Smith
President
I have been a board member with the Aspire Scholarship Program for four years, serving as President the last two. I have worked in higher education for the past 24 years I am passionate about helping students reach their educational goals of pursuing a degree so they can improve the trajectory of not only their lives but the lives of their children. I whole heartedly believe in the mission of this organization and have personally witnessed the invaluable impact this scholarship provides for students.
Richard Winesburg
Treasurer
Joani Zibert
Board Member
Joani Zibert is the Director of Grants at Crowder College, a school founder, former school board president, and previously a Director of Education Law and Policy Development. She has 16 years of education expertise in school development, governance, and operations across multiple states. She is dedicated to improving educational outcomes in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education organizations and is passionate about fostering new opportunities for single parents through the Aspire Scholarship Foundation.
Del Camp
Board Member
Nicki Lopez
Board Member
Nicki is a Workplace Strategist at Grooms Office Environments, where she helps organizations create thoughtful, efficient workspaces that support both people and productivity. With a strong focus on leadership and community, Nicki is also a member of Leadership Joplin, actively engaging in initiatives that build a stronger future for the region. As a board member of the Aspire Scholarship Program, Nicki is passionate about supporting individuals who are driven to grow, lead, and overcome barriers. She brings a unique perspective rooted in real-world experience, and is honored to be part of a program that empowers others to realize their potential.
Chris Mitchell
Board Member
Chris is the Student Disabilities Coordinator and Academic Success Coach at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. He is a lifelong member of the Joplin community, serving in public education for 28 years as a teacher, coach, school counselor, and building administrator. He has a great interest in helping people achieve through education. He watched his father work three jobs to put his mother through school to become a registered nurse while raising two children. That education had a generational impact. Chris invests his time to assist others who, like his parents, desire to work hard to achieve their ambitions.
Sandy Huffman
Board Member
Sandy Huffman serves on the Aspire Scholarship Board of Directors, bringing with her a deep commitment to professional development and mentorship. As a former recipient of the Aspire Scholarship, Sandy understands the profound impact this opportunity can have on someone’s career and confidence. With over 30 years in the healthcare industry, a passion for teaching, and a long-standing dedication to empowering Central Service and Sterile Processing professionals, she is honored to give back to a program that played a meaningful role in her own journey. Through her work on the board, Sandy is dedicated to supporting and inspiring future recipients as they grow in their careers.