Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship

A local retired professor invests in single parents and their families. 

In 2016, Dr. Tam Spitzer created the Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation to help single parents achieve their goals by getting back into the classroom. Though you’ll only find one name on the award, Dr. Spitzer’s hope is to impact two generations with every scholarship — easing the financial strain for adult learners while making an impression on their children. 

“It brings me great pleasure to know that these scholarships will go on and touch lives even after I’m gone,” says Dr. Spitzer.

A professor of psychology at St John Fisher University, Dr. Spitzer supported her own family independently from the time her children were 7 and 2. She understands both the challenges of being a single parent and the assets parents bring to the classroom. 

Dr. Spitzer’s capacity to give grew on a professor’s salary. She lived frugally, inherited modestly from her parents, and was proud when both of her children earned full scholarships to college. A few years into retirement, she realized she had more than enough for herself. Enough to give back. 

That realization became the Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship Fund. Since 2016, it has invested more than $68,000 in the education of single parents, at colleges and universities and in vocational and technical programs — and the need continues to be great. The fund has grown over time, thanks to ongoing contributions from an IRA and Dr. Spitzer’s vision.

Over the last decade, dozens of parents have carried that vision forward. Meet two of them. 

Stephanie’s Search for Adult Scholarships 

Stephanie Paredes is deeply curious, compassionate, and a fierce advocate for herself and others. In 2024, she decided to invest in her own development by going back to school. After setting her sights on a master’s in human development at the University of Rochester’s Warner School, she decided that nothing was going to stop her from getting to graduation. Not even the heavy lift of tuition fees and coursebooks. 

“Education is so important to me as a woman of color,” says Stephanie. “That’s one of the very few things in the galaxy that no one can take away from me.” 

A single graduate course in her program costs around $5,400 and Stephanie was already balancing multiple jobs and sole support for her 8-year-old son Alejandro.  

While searching online for scholarships, the Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship stood out as the first to embrace both her age and her determination to keep learning. 

Scholarships Change the Equation 

When Stephanie got word that she was awarded a Do It 4 Ur Kidz scholarship to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses — she was stunned.  

“Any amount helps, but this amount lifts a very large burden,” says Stephanie. “I’ll be able to continue excelling in my studies, share even more meaningful moments with my son, and cultivate balance in our lives.” That meant more flexibility to choose work opportunities that align with her purpose, and less pressure to take on every small-paying gig.  

She sat her son Alejandro down to explain that she would be going back to school and would have homework, just like him. Today, when Stephanie shows him one of her assignments, complete with colorful visual presentations that bring her ideas to life, he gives enthusiastic and thoughtful feedback; he’s her fiercest cheerleader. 

“We are going to graduate. My son deserves that moment with me as much as I deserve it for myself.” 

— Stephanie, Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship recipient

Stephanie says that her drive when it comes to school is for herself, in addition to wanting to be a role model for her son. She wants her son to see that she defines her own path and is committed to her own growth — that she won’t let money or anyone else’s expectations get in the way of her dreams. 

“It’s a very delicate balance of responsibilities to be a solo mom,” Stephanie says. “The choices and sacrifices I make for myself and my son are unwavering commitments to our shared growth and well-being.” 

Connie Gets Her Degree to Help Others  

Connie Glover is a force for good in Yates County. If you’re struggling to find housing, looking for a job, or need a hot meal in Penn Yan, odds are someone will send you to Connie.  

Technically, she’s Deaconess Connie Glover, MSW, Executive Director and Founder of Penn Yan Community Café. But most people call her Miss Connie. 

In 1989, Connie first discovered that education could be a barrier standing in her way — or the key to helping those in need. She wanted to become the legal guardian to a child who would otherwise enter foster care, but was told she needed a high school diploma first. She took the child into her care the day after graduation. Since that day, she has opened her home to 21 children and many adults in need. 

Connie’s Path Back to School 

Higher education called to Connie as a way to show her children that it’s never too late to pursue more. When her daughter wanted to drop out of college — noting that Connie herself hadn’t earned a degree — Connie had a creative response. She pitched an idea: they would both go to school and graduate side by side. Her daughter agreed. 

Connie carefully weighed the cost of supporting her family alongside the investment of continuing her education. Earning an associate’s degree in human services could mean bringing in the same income while working part-time when her chronic health condition required working fewer hours. But the cost of school felt daunting. She figured that scholarships would only be for young people.  

When she found the Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship, it helped make getting her degree feel feasible. “I was able to not stress as much,” says Connie. “When my health got bad, this money helped me stay in school.”    

More Education to Help More of Those in Need 

Connie and her daughter graduated together in 2020. But Connie wasn’t done learning. She decided to go back to school one more time — this time at her daughter’s encouragement — to support Connie’s dream of running her own nonprofit. 

Connie had been involved with the Penn Yan Community Café since 2009, which serves a free dinner twice a month. She had a vision to expand and formalize its operations, achieve 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and help more people with food, rent, and utilities. 

“If you want to help your community and run an organization, you need knowledge,” she said.  

In May 2025, Connie earned her master’s degree in social work. Single mom, deaconess, adult student, social worker, nonprofit leader — Connie has embodied all of these roles through her own determination and drive.  

“Without this extra boost, I don’t see how I could’ve done it. It may have come along later, but because of this scholarship, I was able to do it now. And now was the right time. Since approaching graduation this past year, doors have been swinging open.”  

Education for Every Stage

Single and solo parents who go back to school bring unique gifts to the classroom: creativity, work ethic, resourcefulness, and a developed sense of self. They are masters of time management and offer a different perspective to peers and professors, having raised children and cut their teeth in the workforce. They have often developed strong advocacy skills — for themselves and their families. 

Across Dr. Spitzer’s 35-year career as an educator, she had many opportunities to connect with adult learners. “They were a delight to have in class,” said Dr. Spitzer. “They knew why they were there and what they wanted to get out of it.” 

Higher education later in life can be a gift in return, boosting confidence, developing new skills, and unlocking better jobs. But the balancing act of managing school, work, and home life is not a small undertaking — and the financial cost is high. 

Giving it Forward 

Gifts to the Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship ensure more parents like Stephanie and Connie can pursue their education while inspiring the next generation.

Looking for Scholarships? 

The Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship is one of more than 55 scholarships that can be applied for using one Consolidated Scholarship Application. Subscribe to be notified when the scholarship portal opens in December.