Eckstein Scholarship Fund receives $15,000 in donations to support Central Oregon trades students

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ)-- The legacy of Jake and Josh Eckstein continues to shine in Crook County and beyond, as the community came together once again to honor the brothers’ memory through education and opportunity.

Jake and Josh Eckstein were young tradesmen from Central Oregon who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in 2019 while driving to work in Prineville. Their parents, Scott and Phyllis Eckstein, created the 'Jake and Josh Eckstein Memorial Trade Scholarship Fund' to help local students attend trade schools, an opportunity that reflects the paths their sons chose in life.

This week, Wild Ride Brewing in Prineville presented a $5,000 donation to the scholarship fund, with the contribution supported by sponsors including the Rotary Club. Later that same day, an additional $10,000 donation was announced from Wild Ride Brewing’s Redmond location, bringing the total to $15,000 raised to keep the fund going strong.

Since its creation, the Eckstein Scholarship Fund has awarded 9 scholarships to Central Oregon students pursuing training in skilled trades such as construction, welding, and mechanics. Phyllis & Scott Eckstein said the support has been overwhelming:
“Over the last three years, we’ve been able to give away nine scholarships. We feel like we’re really making an impact in the community, and we’re starting to see some of these kids come back to Central Oregon and join the workforce. The community has really come together for us.”

The scholarship fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, serves graduates from high schools in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties who plan to attend trade or technical programs. Its mission is to promote career paths that are often overlooked yet vital to Central Oregon’s economy.

The very first recipient of the scholarship has since graduated as a welder in Prineville, working for the same company where the Eckstein brothers themselves once worked. A full-circle moment that deeply moved their parents.

State and community leaders have praised the initiative as a meaningful way to honor the brothers while addressing a critical workforce need in the region. For the Eckstein family, each donation and scholarship awarded keeps Jake and Josh’s spirit alive, helping others build successful hands-on careers across Central Oregon.