Best Government grants for felons in Arkansas

Are there Government grants for felons in Arkansas? Yes. These Arkansas felon assistance programs include education grants, job training programs, housing assistance, healthcare support, and second-chance reentry services. Some of the key programs include the Arkansas Workforce Challenge, Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture), Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, Single Parent Scholarship Fund, and WIOA, which does not automatically disqualify felons. Reentry and employment support is also available through Rock City Reentry, Leading with Conviction, and the Goodwill Arkansas TEO Program. Federal Grants for felons in Arkansas such as SNAP E&T, Pell Grants (Second Chance Pell), Medicaid, and Section 8 are also available.

Workforce & Education Grants for Felons in Arkansas

Some of the top workforce and education grants for felons in Arkansas include the Arkansas Workforce Challenge, Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture), and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

Arkansas Workforce Challenge 

The Arkansas Workforce Challenge is a state-funded scholarship/grant program administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE offering the residents of Arkansas with workforce training in high demand fields including Information Technology (IT), Industry & technical careers and healthcare. The workforce grant for felons in Arkansas can be used to pay for pursuing certificates, non-credit training, or associate degree programs that will help in getting into high demand jobs. You can get an award of up to $3,000 per eligible program and must apply at least 30 days before enrolling in an eligible program.

Eligibility For Arkansas Workforce Challenge For Felons

To be eligible for Workforce Challenge Scholarship, you must be an Arkansas resident, have a high school diploma or GED, you are not a current recipient of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and accepted into an eligible training program in Healthcare, IT, or Industry. Arkansas Workforce Challenge doesn’t automatically disqualify felons, but the scholarship does not cover enrollment while currently incarcerated.

How To Apply For Arkansas Workforce Challenge?

To apply for Arkansas Workforce Challenge, you need to create a SAMS account and submit your scholarship application. The documents that are needed are proof of Arkansas residency, high school diploma or GED certification, acceptance letter from your training program and any other documents requested by SAMS. You can check the status through your SAMS student dashboard for award notifications. For general queries you can call them at (501) 371-2000.

Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)

The Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) is a state-funded education grant that is designed to help out the residents of Arkansas to gain skills in high-growth and in-demand fields like Information Technology (IT), Industry & technical careers and healthcare. The Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for the eligible programs if not covered by other aid. The ArFuture grant makes it affordable for the students to pursue degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Eligibility For Arkansas Future Grant For Felons

To be eligible for Arkansas Future Grant, an applicant must have graduated from an Arkansas public, private, or home school or hold an equivalent high school diploma (GED) and have lived in Arkansas for at least three years immediately before applying and must be enrolled part-time or full-time at a qualifying Arkansas public institution pursuing associate degree or certification in STEM.

Note: Felons in Arkansas can apply for the grant as there are no explicit rules that disqualify individuals with felony conviction.

How to Apply For Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)?

To apply for the Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture), you need to fill out the FAFSA and create your ADHE SAMS account. Next, search for the “Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)” grant on SAMS website and complete your application. The documents that are required are Photo ID, proof of enrollment, proof of Diploma or GED and other documents that are requested. The deadline for application is typically July 1 for Fall and January 10 for Spring. If you have any queries about the grant give a call at (501) 371-2000.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship also known as the Lottery Scholarship, funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. The program offers renewable scholarship funds to Arkansas residents to pursue higher education from eligible colleges and universities in Arkansas. The award amount is directly distributed to the school to cover tuition, fees and other educational costs for the eligible individual.

Eligibility For Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

To be eligible for Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, applicants must be a resident of Arkansas for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and accepted by an eligible college or university. Traditional students require a minimum ACT composite score of 19 or a high school GPA requirement depends on the category. For non-traditional students the minimum GPA is at least 2.5. As there is no “felony ban” for this scholarship, felons can apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship if they meet the basic eligibility requirements.

How to Apply For Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship?

To apply for Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Create an account through the ADHE Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) and search for “Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship” and submit your application before July 1. If you have questions about eligibility or concerns related to criminal history call on (501) 371-2000.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF)

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit scholarship program offered to the low income single parents in Arkansas. This program also supports single parents with felony records seeking education grants for felons in Arkansas to pursue higher education or training in an in-demand field that will lead to better employment. Alongside the scholarship program, you also get access to mentoring, workshops and other supportive services to support you to be successful. The award generally amounts $400 to $1,600 per semester.

Eligibility For The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund 

To be eligible for The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, applicant must be a single parent residing in Arkansas, must have at least 50% custody of a child, have a high school diploma or GED, no bachelor’s degree, be enrolled or planning to enroll in at least one 3-credit course at an approved college or trade school and have maintained minimum 2.0 GPA. This fund is also accessible by single parents with felony records as being a felony does not publicly disqualify you.

How To Apply For The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund?

To apply for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, you need to fill up the FAFSA. You need documents including proof of marital status, proof of income, FAFSA summary and other documents as asked by them. Here is the updated list of deadlines for the scholarship:

• Spring 2026 Scholarship: Jan. 1 – Feb. 1
• Summer 2026 Scholarship: May 1 – June 1 (This is only for current recipients)
• Fall 2026 Scholarship: Aug. 1 – Sept. 1

For other general queries regarding the scholarship and concerns related to criminal history connect to them using the Contact Us Form.

Housing and Emergency Grants For Felons in Arkansas

Arkansas Community Action Agencies run programs provide housing assistance for felons in Arkansas, including emergency rent help, utilities, and transitional housing support. Alongside this, the Rock City Reentry & Pathway Home Project is also available.

Arkansas Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Arkansas are local nonprofits that offer assistance to the low-income individuals, families, unemployed people, people with barriers to employment and felons to gain stability and lead towards self-sufficiency. The main aim of CAAs in Arkansas is to reduce poverty and connect people with housing and emergency support. There are more than 15 local agencies that operate all over Arkansas.

Eligibility Requirements For Services From Arkansas Community Action Agencies

To be eligible for services from Arkansas community action agencies, the applicant must be residing in the service area and must have household income that is under a certain limit based on federal poverty guidelines. CAAs do not disqualify felons from applying for services.

How To Apply For Services Through Arkansas Community Action Agencies?

To apply for services, you need to find your local community action agency in your area. You can visit the ACAAA website and find your county’s agency. You can submit your application directly to your agency. The documents that are required include your proof of identity, household income, social security number and recent utility bills. Apply early, as the funds are limited. To general queries about their services call on (501) 372-0807

Rock City Reentry & Pathway Home Project

The Rock City Reentry Program (a project supported by the Little Rock Workforce Development Board through the Pathway Home Project) offers support to the felons after release. The projects offers pre-release and post-release support services to reduce recidivism and improve employment outcomes of the felons. This is one of the most effective Arkansas reentry programs focused on employment and stability after incarceration.

Eligibility for Rock City Reentry & Pathway Home Project

To be eligible for support through Rock City Reentry / Pathway Home, applicant must be aged 18 or older, currently incarcerated in an Arkansas state correctional facility or a local/county jail, have a scheduled release date within approximately 20–270 days from the time of program entry and planning to return to reside in the Little Rock area.

How To Apply For Support From Rock City Reentry & Pathway Home Project?

To participate in the Rock City Reentry / Pathway Home services, you need to directly contact Arkansas Workforce Center in Little Rock before release. Provide them your basic information and incarceration details to get you enrolled in the program. You can simply visit 5401 South University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72209, or call them at 501-682-0228 to know about the program details.

National Programs That Are Available For Felons in Arkansas

These federal grants for felons in Arkansas and nationwide programs help with food, education, healthcare, housing, and employment after release.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps, a federal program that is available to felons in Arkansas. To be eligible for SNAP, you need to meet the basic income and household guidelines. The SNAP benefits can further be used for purchasing groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. You can submit your SNAP application through the website of the State of Arkansas.

If you are eligible for SNAP in Arkansas, you can also qualify for the SNAP E&T program in Arkansas that covers 100% of your vocational training, GED costs, and even provides transportation reimbursements. For further queries simply connect to a  case worker at any Arkansas DHS (Department of Human Services) or call them at 1-855-372-1084

Federal Pell Grants (Second Chance Pell)

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based U.S. federal financial aid that is offered to the undergraduate students. Students with felony convictions can apply for the Pell Grant by submitting FAFSA. Remember, individuals who are still in prison or jail can get access to Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell Grant. Shorter College, Philander Smith University, Arkansas State University (ASU) Newport, Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) etc. in Arkansas participates in the Pell Grant Program through the Second Chance Pell initiative. For further queries call at 501-371-2000

Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is run with the name “Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)” in Arkansas offering temporary cash and support to the low income families with children under 18. TEA offers help to the low income families by helping them to meet basic needs through job training, work activities, childcare assistance, and transportation support. Felons are eligible for Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA), if they comply with work or program rules. To know more about the program visit the official website of Arkansas Department of Human Services or call on 1-855-372-1084

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal workforce development law that offers help to the job seekers including felons to get employment through training programs, education and other supportive services. WIOA also helps job seekers to connect with regional employers to support economic growth.  The types of programs that are offered include programs for adult, dislocated workers and youth.  To get access to the programs visit  WorkforceAR or call at 1-844-908-2178. 

Medicaid in Arkansas

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program in the U.S. that covers doctor visits, mental health care, substance-use treatment, prescriptions, and hospital services. Felons in Arkansas are eligible for Medicaid after release from jail or prison, if they meet the basic program criteria. However, Medicaid coverage cannot be accessed if you are already in jail or prison.. Once you get released from incarceration, you can apply for Medicaid services online through Arkansas Access, or apply by phone 1-800-482-8988 or directly visit your local DHS county office.

Section 8 & Public Housing

The U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Section 8 & Public Housing programs offering safe and affordable housing to the felons after release. Felons in Arkansas can be eligible for these federal government housing programs, if they meet the basic eligibility. Remember, individuals with lifetime registered sex offences or conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing are permanently banned. You can apply for the Section 8 & Public Housing in Arkansas through Arkansas County Housing Authority or simply call on (870) 946-2622

The Federal Bonding Program

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) funded by the U.S. The Department of Labor offers help to felons and justice-involved individuals in Arkansas to get access to jobs by offering free bonding insurance to the employers. The main aim of the program is to protect the employers from any kind of fraud or theft that results in losses for the first six months of employment. The bond generally covers up to $5,000, thus eliminating overall risk of the employer. The Federal Bonding Program in Arkansas is accessed through the Arkansas Workforce Centers. For general queries call on 1-844-908-2178

Nonprofits Offering Grants and Reentry Support for Felons in Arkansas

Several non-profits offer grants for felons in Arkansas including the ReEntry Grant, TEO Program by Goodwill, TRANSFORM Business Grant, NASE Growth Grants and JustLeadershipUSA.

ReEntry Grant (People Trust Community Loan Fund)

People Trust Community Loan Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Little Rock that offers support to the returning citizens by providing them resources that support employment, education, and basic needs. The main aim of the fund is to reduce the reentry barriers and help felons to rebuild their lives after release. To know about the eligibility and how to apply for the ReEntry Grant, email them at [email protected] or call them at 501-476-3910. You can also visit the headquarter at 5300 West 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209, United States

Goodwill Arkansas TEO Program

The Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO) Program at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is a 16-week paid job training and reentry support program offered to individuals with felony convictions. To be eligible for the Goodwill Arkansas TEO Program, applicants must be planning to reenter the workforce after incarceration, or facing employee barriers due to justice-involved backgrounds. To apply for the Goodwill Arkansas TEO Program, you need to visit the Goodwill’s website and fill up the TEO interest form. For further queries call at 877-372-5151 or email them at [email protected]

TRANSFORM Business Grant

The TRANSFORM Business Grant is a U.S.-wide microgrant that can be accessed in Arkansas by employers of marginalised groups including felons. The grant offers $1,000, and also helps in implementing business strategy and development programs with continuous mentoring support. The grant money is only offered to those entrepreneurs that align with the values of equity and community benefit. To apply for the grant visit the official website of TRANSFORM Business Grant.

NASE Growth Grants

The NASE Growth Grant program is run by the National Association for the Self-Employed offering grants up to $4,000 to help out businesses. This grant is available for felons in Arkansas and to be eligible they need to be a NASE member. The grant amount can be used to cover for marketing, hiring, equipment, advertising, and other needs. Remember, having a felony or criminal background will not disqualify you from applying for a NASE Growth Grant. To apply for the grant visit the official website of NASE.

JustLeadershipUSA

The JustLeadershipUSA runs a  leadership development and reentry support initiative called the “Leading with Conviction” aimed to help out the individuals who have been incarcerated or otherwise directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Leading with Conviction is widely recognized as an Arkansas second chance program that focuses on leadership and reentry success. To apply for Leading with Conviction, visit the official website of JustLeadershipUSA.  For general queries call on 347-454-2195

Bottom Line

Rebuilding life after a conviction is not easy, but in Arkansas it can be possible through programs that support education, workforce training, housing, healthcare, and employment. Remember a past mistake does not define your future. Whether you are looking to gain new skills, looking to return to college or want stability after release, there are certainly state-specific grants in Arkansas to offer you help. It is recommended to go through the program, check the eligibility and apply as soon as possible. Every application will help to step forward towards independence, confidence and bring stability to your life.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Grant programs, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and application processes might change. We strive to provide you with up-to-date information, however it is recommended to verify with official government agencies, nonprofits, or program administrators before applying or making decisions based on this content.