HCCC’s Hudson Scholars Program Thrives with $100,000 Investment of Provident Bank Foundation

Hudson Scholars was exactly the type of program PBF was looking for, as it expands access to educational opportunities for Hudson County students and significantly improves the academic outcomes these students achieved. "The Hudson Scholars program is groundbreaking," says Samantha Plotino, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation, "and we believe it to be the ideal model for community colleges nationwide to abate the challenges that might delay or prevent students from graduating."

Developed under the visionary leadership of HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, the award-winning Hudson Scholars Program addresses these challenges, expands academic access, and drives student success through a unique, holistic combination of proactive academic advisement, financial stipends, high-impact educational experiences, and early academic intervention. Students can use these monthly stipends to pay for needs beyond tuition including books, transportation to and from classes, and more.

Launched in 2021, the Hudson Scholars Program received national acclaim when it won the prestigious, nationally competitive 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award a year after winning the 2023 Bellwether Award for Instructional Programs and Services. Hudson Scholars also earned the 2021-2022 Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College.

Many students enrolled in the Hudson Scholars program face significant barriers to academic success, whether it’s navigating financial challenges, working to put themselves through college, juggling family responsibilities, or food and housing insecurity. In the fall of 2023, when PBF began its support of the program, 34% of HCCC students were adult learners, 55% identified as Hispanic or Latino, and 88% self-identified as nonwhite. A staggering 77% of first-time, full-time students begin their college experience in English as a Second Language (ESL), Developmental English, or Developmental Math courses, and 80% qualify for Federal financial aid.

The results are a testament to the program’s success. 21% of Fall 2021 Hudson Scholars graduated within two years, over triple the number from 2018-2020. Hudson Scholars has made its greatest impact on students from traditionally underrepresented communities.

Many HCCC students and Hudson Scholars are first-generation college students and don’t have experience navigating the complexities of starting college. Nina Maria Resureccion, an Exercise Science student at HCCC and the Student Government President, explained, “I didn’t know where to start, which classes to take, or how to schedule them.” The personalized guidance from her advisor helped her to begin on the right path.

Sonny Tungala, an HCCC student and adult learner pursuing a degree in nursing, said, “Being a Hudson Scholar has been a big help to me. The academic advisors provide you with all the necessary support systems. They have the resources to help students balance the academic and social aspects of being a student. They guide you on your path to reaching your goals. Hudson Scholars is a dream come true for me.” 

Hudson Scholars like Nina appreciated the belief and support from their advisors, which expanded their horizons and pushed them to go beyond what they previously thought they were capable of achieving. This belief and support led to significant academic and personal growth for students like Nina, who reflected that “Being here gave me a lot of opportunities to better myself and express myself a lot more. I was able to explore a lot more things, especially in terms of being involved on campus. I recently became Student Government President. I never expected to be in this position, but HCCC gave me the opportunity. Hudson Scholars gives you a lot of confidence in yourself and makes you realize nothing is impossible. My advisor has been a great mentor for me – whenever I felt like I was on the verge of failing, he made me feel like I could succeed. Sometimes you need someone to push you harder, and he was that person for me.”

Beyond the academic and financial support, HCCC nursing graduate Shemia Superville, who recently moved to the United States from Grenada, appreciated the opportunity to meet and form friendships with like-minded HCCC students in the program. She met many of her friends at HCCC playing games like Uno and Jenga at a Hudson Scholars mixer event. Forming these bonds with her fellow students helped to set the stage for her academic success by giving her a sense of belonging and making her feel at home. 

The one-on-one personalized level of academic support helped these Hudson Scholars succeed and achieve their academic goals. This would not have been possible without the generous financial support of PBF and others.

HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber stated, “This program has made an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students, enabling many of them to overcome significant barriers and achieve their academic and personal goals. The Provident Bank Foundation's commitment to expanding access to education and fostering student success aligns perfectly with our mission at HCCC, and we are thankful for their trust and partnership in transforming the lives of so many in our community."