Deadline for Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarships approaching
Kelsey Raffaele lost her life in a distracted driver automobile crash in 2010.
Michigan Auto Law will be awarding $5,000 in scholarships to four Michigan High School juniors and seniors through the law firm’s 2026 Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship.
Juniors and seniors attending any public or private high school in Michigan are encouraged to create and submit compelling messages through YouTube videos or graphics that convince young drivers to reduce distractions while driving and persuade all drivers, especially teen drivers, to stop texting while driving.
Applications for the 2026 Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship are due this Sunday, March 1. Applications can be submitted online by clicking here.
Winners will be announced in April to coincide with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Making good out of tragedy
The Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship, was created in 2016 by Michigan Auto Law, the largest law firm in Michigan that specializes exclusively in helping auto accident victims, to honor Kelsey Raffaele, a 17-year-old who tragically lost her life in a cell phone-related automobile crash in 2010.
Through this scholarship and their many community outreach efforts, Michigan Auto Law hopes to inspire change and raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, especially with young and inexperienced drivers.
“Every day, we see the devastating consequences of distracted driving, especially when it involves young drivers,” stated Steve Gursten, Attorney and Owner of Michigan Auto Law.
“Kelsey’s Law and this scholarship exist to turn tragedy into action; educating teens, changing behavior, and ultimately saving lives on Michigan roads.”
Judging criteria
Entries will be judged based on their ability to persuade others to stop texting while driving, grab the attention of friends and family, deliver a clear and understandable message, and showcase personal creativity and ingenuity.
The $5,000 scholarship’s combined total offers various award amounts per category, including one $2,000 scholarship for the Best Overall submission, one $1,500 scholarship for the Best Video submission, one $1,000 scholarship for the Most Impactful submission, and one $500 scholarship for the Best Graphic submission.
Helping with tuition
Each student is limited to one type of submission. The scholarship funds will be applied towards tuition at any university, college, or technical school in the United States within one year of the scholarship deadline.
Applicants must be Michigan residents with a valid driver’s license. Finalists will be required to provide proof of enrollment, and if under 18 years old by April 15, a parental consent form must be signed.
Through the tireless advocacy of Bonnie Raffaele, Kelsey’s mother, Michigan passed Kelsey’s Law in 2013 following the tragic death of her 17-year-old daughter in a cell phone related crash.
Kelsey’s Law prohibits teen drivers with a Level 1 or Level 2 graduated license from using a cell phone in any capacity while driving, whether handheld or in hands-free (i.e., voice-operated) mode, including initiating or answering calls or engaging in verbal communication.
Those who violate Kelsey’s Law may be ticketed for a civil infraction by a law enforcement officer.
Beyond helping make the law a reality, Bonnie has become a nationally recognized leader in teen driver safety, founding the KDR (Kids Driving Responsibly) Challenge, leading the Michigan Teen Safe Driving Coalition, serving on the National Safety Council’s Board of Delegates, and partnering with organizations including the Michigan State Police, the Office of Highway Safety Planning, and the Michigan Secretary of State.
