Hudson County Community College Valedictorian Awarded Prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College’s (HCCC) Class of 2026 Valedictorian Marlon Peña Crespo is the recipient of a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. He is one of just 60 high-achieving community college students selected from 1,300 applicants across the nation to receive the highly competitive national scholarship. The award provides last-dollar funding to assist students in completing their baccalaureate studies with as little debt as possible. Marlon may be provided with as much as $55,000 a year for up to three years to complete his bachelor’s degree at Columbia University.

“We are so proud of Marlon and everything he has accomplished,” stated HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “He is a brilliant example of how a commitment to academic success can transform one’s life, and how education and experience can be used to better the lives of others.” 

Marlon is pictured at right with HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.

Hudson County Community College Class of 2026 Valedictorian Marlon Peña Crespo has been awarded the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The award provides up to $55,000 a year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree. Marlon is pictured at right with HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.

A West New York, NJ resident and a Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society member, Marlon Peña Crespo is completing his Associate in Science degree in Computer Science with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. A native of Cuba, he mastered the challenges of navigating a new academic system and achieving academic success. Marlon is focused on utilizing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems, and specializes in rapid prototyping and translating human-centered needs into scalable solutions.

Earlier this year, Marlon completed his work in the first cohort of the AI for Impact New Jersey Community College Fellowship as a Product Management Intern. Selected from a pool of 89 candidates, he engineered a bilingual spatial data tool to map local resources, and a chatbot to provide real-time guidance for immigrant communities navigating social systems. The experiential learning program was created through a partnership of the New Jersey Office of Innovation, New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. InnovateUS facilitated the program and paired students with advisors to address government challenges and spark public sector innovation.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship helps more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.

Besides financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”