Hudson County Community College Students Named Semifinalists for Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
March 27, 2026
March 27, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Three Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students have been chosen from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants across the country as semifinalists for the highly competitive and very selective Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. All three are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society.
Hudson County Community College students Marlon Pena Crespo, Neivi Nunez Cuevas, and Janvi Amit Patel have been selected by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as semifinalists for the prestigious, highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced that HCCC students Marlon Peña Crespo, Neivi Nuñez Cuevas, and Janvi Amit Patel are vying for the scholarship that supports high-achieving United States community college students in completing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. The semifinalists are chosen through a process that assesses academic ability and achievement, perseverance, and leadership. Cooke Scholars receive generous financial support for up to three years, ongoing advising, and opportunities to connect with other Cooke Scholars. In addition, Cooke Scholars have access to transformative opportunities including internships, study abroad experiences, and graduate school funding.
“Not only are Marlon, Neivi, and Janvi outstanding students, but they are exceptional people who are determined to achieve their academic and career goals despite any roadblocks they encounter. By setting high bars for themselves and continuing to proceed and excel, they are truly exemplary,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.
“Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure exceptional community college students have opportunities to reach their full academic potential,” said Executive Director Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili. “This year’s semifinalists reflect the remarkable talent and ambition found in community colleges nationwide.”
Marlon Peña Crespo is a Computer Science major who is especially interested in how technology and data can be used to improve systems and make services more accessible to communities. At HCCC, he has focused on developing skills in computer science, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. After he graduates HCCC in May, Marlon plans to transfer to a four-year university and build a career in technology.
Neivi Nuñez Cuevas, an Engineering Science major, began her career at HCCC as an ESL student. Today, she is Model United Nations Club and Active Minds Chapter President, Society of Physics Students Secretary, and an HCCC College Student Success Mentor, Peer Leader, and Office of Advisement Assistant. A Kaplan Leadership Program Scholar, she has been honored by Phi Theta Kappa, National Society of Leadership and Success, American Chemical Society, and Society of Women Engineers. Neivi is active in many community programs and plans to create opportunities and build community after achieving her academic dreams at a four-year university.
Janvi Amit Patel is a biology major who will transfer to a four-year university after graduating HCCC in May. Janvi plans to pursue the dream that took seed when she was in the fourth grade and discovered her love for science – particularly biology and human anatomy – and she will become a physical therapist. At HCCC, she served as an academic tutor, College Student Success Mentor, and President of Health and Medical Sciences Club.
“The entire HCCC family extends our congratulations and best wishes to Marlon, Neivi, and Janvi. We are cheering for them to become Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars,” Dr. Reber stated. “Their futures are exceedingly bright!”