The Unplanned Movie Scholarship, a partnership between actress Ashley Bratcher and Heartbeat International, has been replenished following a successful social media campaign. Matched dollar for dollar by Bratcher, and thanks to the generosity of supporters, the fund is once again ready to assist a mother who has chosen life while pursuing higher education, with plans to award a new recipient in 2025.
Bratcher, best known for her role as Abby Johnson in Unplanned, launched the scholarship to ensure that mothers do not have to choose between their education and their children. Since 2019, the scholarship has provided more than $50,000 in financial assistance to women across the nation.
“The Unplanned Movie Scholarship is about giving moms the support they need to pursue their dreams while embracing motherhood,” Bratcher said. “Through this scholarship, we are showing women that they are capable, strong, and never alone in their journey.”
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Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, emphasized the impact of the scholarship. “So many women feel pressured to abandon their education when they face an unexpected pregnancy. This fund serves as a tangible reminder that choosing life does not mean giving up on your future.”
Over the years, the Unplanned Movie Scholarship has made a significant difference in the lives of young mothers, including Deyana, who was awarded $15,000 in 2023. A client of Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic in Tennessee, Deyana initially feared she would have to give up her dream of earning a degree in social work after becoming pregnant. With the support of Crossroads and the scholarship, she is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree with plans to continue toward a master’s.
Another inspiring recipient is Brittni, the first recipient who received a scholarship in 2020. Brittni was single and working two jobs when she became pregnant. She’d been pursuing her education in the medical field off and on for around 11 years, and she struggled with uncertainty about her future. Through the encouragement of her local pregnancy help organization and the financial assistance of the Unplanned Movie Scholarship, she was able to continue her education while raising her child. Today, Brittni is thriving with a new job, and a home with her husband and son, proving that women can choose life without sacrificing their dreams.
The scholarship fund has not only provided critical financial assistance but has also been a source of encouragement and affirmation for women who might otherwise feel isolated in their decision to continue their pregnancy. Many recipients have shared how the scholarship has changed their perspective, helping them realize their strength and resilience.
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Heartbeat International, the world’s largest network of pregnancy help organizations, works closely with pregnancy centers across the country to connect women with resources like the Unplanned Movie Scholarship. These centers provide life-affirming support, parenting classes, material aid, and counseling to ensure that no mother feels alone in her journey.
With the fund replenished, Heartbeat International and Bratcher look forward to awarding a new mother in 2025, furthering the mission to empower women through education and life-affirming support. The application process will open in the coming months, inviting eligible mothers to share their stories and apply for the opportunity.
Bratcher hopes that the continued success of the scholarship will inspire more people to contribute and make a difference in the lives of young mothers. “Every donation, every shared post, every prayer makes an impact,” she said. “Together, we can help women see that life and education can go hand in hand.”
For more information about the Unplanned Movie Scholarship, visit www.UnplannedMovieScholarship.com.
Editor's note: Heartbeat International manages Pregnancy Help News.
