The Beth Coulson Power
of 1 Scholarship

We are pleased to offer our first-ever medical student scholarship for those who are currently junior year students at Rosalind Franklin Medical School, and is an annual competition that is aimed at bringing awareness about Illinois’ Safe Haven Law within your community.

Requirements for applying for the scholarship

Eligibility

Open to Juniors who are attending Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Submit Work

Submit graphics, videos or pictures based on the specific criteria

Deadline

Complete the online Scholarship Application by February 28, 2026

All submissions will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and voted on for awards in each category. Scholarship winners will be notified if they have won a scholarship by March 28, 2026.

This year, we will be awarding five scholarships of $2,000 each

By submitting your work, you agree to allow the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation to use your essay or artwork for the purposes of promoting the Safe Haven law.

To apply for the scholarship, there are three different categories with 3 different choices. You will only need to choose one of the 9 options to apply for the scholarship.

Educational Activities:

Organize Peer-to-Peer Presentations

Medical students can present information about the Safe Haven Law to their classmates, focusing on key points like eligibility, confidentiality, and available resources. Each student is expected to present to three different groups, providing both a video and a presentation outline.

Develop Educational Materials

Create brochures, infographics, or short videos explaining the law in clear and concise language for various audiences, such as expectant mothers, parents, and healthcare professionals. Materials are to be submitted upon completion.

Host Awareness Events

Organize campus events with guest speakers from relevant organizations, interactive learning modules, and simulations to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions. A video of the event should be submitted.

Community Outreach

Partner with local organizations

Collaborate with crisis pregnancy centers, social service agencies, and shelters to distribute educational materials and answer questions about the Safe Haven Law. A video should be submitted to document the activity.

Volunteer at outreach events

Attend community fairs, health festivals, or prenatal care clinics to raise awareness and educate the public directly. A video documenting the event should be submitted.

Develop social media campaigns

Utilize social media platforms to share information about the Safe Haven Law, dispel myths, and encourage conversations using relevant content. Submit a video and links to the campaign as documentation.

Clinical Integration

Advocate for incorporating safe haven law education into the curriculum

Encourage faculty to incorporate information about the law into relevant courses like pediatrics, obstetrics, and ethics. Please submit a video and presentation outline.

Training Future Healthcare Professionals

During clinical rotations, medical students can actively learn about the safe haven law, identify potential mothers in need, and provide accurate information and support. Please submit a video and presentation outline.

Develop Patient Education Materials

Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create materials explaining the Safe Haven Law for patients in waiting rooms or during consultations. Materials should be submitted upon completion.

Use information found on the www.saveabandonedbabies.org website to learn about how the law works in Illinois and current efforts to promote awareness about the law. In your essay, suggest ways awareness about the law can be improved so that everyone knows about the law.

Please attach documents, videos and graphics as a pdf, jpg or movie file with your first name, underscore, last name as your file name

Click Here To Apply

Additional Tips

Focus on empathy and understanding

Address the stigma surrounding relinquishment and emphasize the law as a life-saving option for mothers facing difficult circumstances.

Target the diverse communities

Ensure outreach and educational materials are translated and culturally appropriate to reach various populations.

Promote confidentiality and anonymity

Emphasize the law’s focus on protecting the identities of both mothers and newborns.

Connect with mental health resources

Include information about available mental health resources for mothers struggling with difficult choices.

The Beth Coulson Power of 1 Scholarship