Beth Coulson Power of 1 Scholarship
We are pleased to offer our first-ever medical scholarship for those who are currently junior year students at the 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:
Open to Juniors who are attending Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Submit graphics, videos or pictures based on the specific criteria
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 $2000 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.
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 resources available. Must present to three different groups with 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, like expectant mothers, parents, and healthcare professionals. Must submit materials.
Host awareness events:
Organize campus events with guest speakers from relevant organizations, interactive learning modules, and simulations to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions. Must submit video of event.
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. Must submit video.
Volunteer at outreach events:
Attend community fairs, health festivals, or prenatal care clinics to raise awareness and educate the public directly. Must submit video.
Develop social media campaigns:
Utilize social media platforms to share information about the safe haven law, dispel myths, and encourage conversations using relevant information. Must submit video and links.
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. Must submit video and presentation outline.
Train 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. Must submit 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. Must submit materials.
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
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 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.
