SELCO Community Credit Union just handed out $77,500 in scholarships to 21 Oregon students who are ready to level up their education.
That’s real money going to real people—not some token gesture that barely covers textbooks.
The recipients were celebrated at a luncheon last week at SELCO’s Springfield headquarters, and honestly? The competition was fierce. These scholarships went to a diverse mix of students—graduating high school seniors heading to four-year universities, community college students, vocational school enrollees, and nontraditional students going back to school. Because let’s face it: education doesn’t follow a straight line for everyone anymore.
The Breakdown: Who Got What
Twenty students each received $3,500 scholarships, representing seven Oregon counties. But there’s also a standout award: the $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship, which went to Eugene’s Peyton Caldwell. This particular scholarship is reserved for Lane County students who’ve shown serious grit—those who’ve demonstrated excellence in education, leadership, or community involvement despite facing real obstacles.
The scholarship program is part of SELCO Steps Up, the credit union’s philanthropy initiative. And the timing couldn’t be better. Education costs are skyrocketing, and they’re the number one reason people cite for not pursuing higher education. SELCO gets that, which is why these scholarships can be used for any education-related expense. Need it for tuition? Great. Books? Go for it. Housing? You got it.
Not Your Average Scholarship Program
“Today’s students are pursuing a wide range of paths, and our scholarship program is designed to meet them where they are,” said Olivia Sorensen, SELCO’s Community Development Supervisor. “The depth of this year’s applicant pool made the selection process incredibly competitive, and recipients reflect the determination, resilience, and ambition we see across our communities.”
The program recently expanded beyond the traditional “fresh-out-of-high-school” crowd to include vocational students, continuing education students, and anyone taking a nontraditional path. Because whether you’re 18 or 48, if you’re trying to better yourself through education, SELCO wants to help.
The Requirements
To qualify, you need to be a SELCO member (or have immediate family who is). You’ll also need at least a 3.0 GPA—either cumulative or from your last college term—and plans to attend an accredited vocational school, community college, or four-year university.
Meet the 2026 Recipients
Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship ($7,500):
- Peyton Caldwell, Eugene (Lane County) – Oregon State University
SELCO Scholarships ($3,500 each):
Crook County:
- Ryan Quinn, Prineville – University of Oregon
Deschutes County:
- Luis Castro Hernandez, Bend – Oregon State University-Cascades
- Tavia Zepnewski, Bend – University of New Mexico
Lane County:
- Abigail Castelan Cordero, Eugene – Lane Community College
- Peter Gault, Springfield – Oregon State University
- Gabriela Gonzalez Manuel, Junction City – University of Oregon
- Abigail Green, Springfield – University of Oregon
- Charlie Joye, Eugene – University of British Columbia
- Miranda Marquez Curiel, Eugene – Washington State University
- Alexis Marshall, Eugene – Lane Community College
- Alejandra Martinez, Springfield – Oregon State University
- Miranda Ryker, Springfield – University of Oregon
- Goush Shaik, Eugene – Stanford University
- Madison Thurman, Springfield – Umpqua Community College
- Laina Ward, Springfield – Willamette University
- Reena Zhao, Eugene – Rice University
Linn County:
- Marissa Fox, Albany – Linn Benton Community College
Marion County:
- Anonymous, Salem – Western Governor’s University
Polk County:
- Dean Burwash, Dallas – Oregon State University
Washington County:
- Trent Dearborn, Tigard – Cal Poly State University
A Long History of Giving Back
SELCO launched this scholarship program way back in 1991, making it a core part of their mission to help members achieve their financial and educational goals. Just in the last three years, they’ve awarded more than $230,000 to students taking their next educational step. That’s the kind of long-term commitment that actually makes a difference.
Want to learn more about this year’s recipients? Head over to selco.org/steps-up/scholarships/2026-recipients/, where you can also find photos from last week’s celebration luncheon.