
And our scholarships reflect this reality. Whether you’re planning to attend college straight out of high school, further your training through a vocational school, or pursue a degree after a break, we want to help make that next step a solid one. And unlike many scholarships, SELCO Scholarship funds can be used for educational expenses beyond tuition.
For the 2026 application period, we will award 20 scholarships each worth $3,500, as well as the $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship, totaling $77,500 in awards. Applications for our scholarships are open to vocational, continuing, and non-traditional students. If you’re interested in applying during the 2026 application period, read below to learn more about the application, the selection process, and eligibility.
We award the annual $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship to a Lane County student who, despite adversity or lack of opportunity, has demonstrated excellence in education, leadership, or civic responsibility.
This scholarship honors the memory of Richard Metzler, a longtime SELCO Board Member who served more than 30 years as a director and supervisor of special education in Springfield Public Schools.

SELCO Scholarship recipients receive a total of $77,500 in scholarships in 2025 and become part of our largest applicant pool ever in the program’s history.

Big changes to SELCO’s Scholarships in 2024 include increasing scholarship amounts, total scholarships awarded, and expanded eligibility for students.

SELCO awards 19 students with $2,500 scholarships and one Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship recipient with $5,000, celebrating 33 years of giving back.