NEWARK, N.J. – Since they were born, Newark’s Ironbound community was the only home they ever knew. But this fall, Daren Crespo, Gabriel Espinoza, and Henry Umana’s horizons will become much broader as they begin studying at the universities where they were recently accepted with full scholarships: Crespo at Brown University, Espinoza at the University of Pennsylvania, and Umana at Boston University.  

The QuestBridge Scholarship Program, a nonprofit organization that provides higher education opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income families, has provided the scholarships.

“Daren, Gabriel, and Henry have made us enormously proud,” said Superintendent León. “These three extraordinary young men are proof-positive that our students can achieve the high goals they set for themselves when they work hard, maintain focus, and have the support of devoted families and dedicated educators. I congratulate these very special students and their families, and thank their teachers, counselors, mentors, and administrators for supporting them in achieving this outstanding success. The entire Newark Public Schools community is cheering them on as they take this next remarkable step in their journeys.”

“As Board President, I am filled with pride and admiration for Daren, Gabriel, and Henry, who exemplify the talent and determination of Newark’s students,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Their acceptance to these prestigious universities with full scholarships is a result of their hard work, resilience, as well as the support of their families, teachers, and counselors. We celebrate these young men on their achievements as they prepare to pursue their dreams.”

“We are overjoyed and incredibly proud of Daren, Gabriel, and Henry for this outstanding achievement,” said Technology High School Principal Edwin Reyes. “Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have earned them these life-changing opportunities at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. They are a shining example of what is possible when students embrace their potential and have the support of a community that believes in them. We know they will continue to make us proud as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their lives.”

Daren Crespo – Brown University

With great opportunity comes great responsibility. That could summarize Crespo’s feelings about his acceptance to the Ivy League’s Brown University with a full scholarship. “[The news] reminded me of what I worked for, what I had done, and what I shall do,” said Crespo, who intends to study genetics and molecular biology. “But the work has not stopped, [it has] only gained gravitas and emphasis on its importance.”

Crespo was born at Saint James Hospital and previously attended Lafayette Street School. He is of Ecuadorian descent and lives with his mother, Carole Torres, who works as a passenger assistant for United Ground Express. To help his mother, Crespo has assumed many household responsibilities and helped care for his 12-year-old sister, Janick.

In high school, Crespo has been active in extracurricular activities, serving as Vice President of the Math/SAT Club, participating in the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Student Council, and contributing to the school newspaper.

Any free time Crespo may have had has been spent playing basketball, attending Mass, and spending time outdoors with family.

Crespo’s faith plays a central role in his life, and it has provided him guidance and resilience during challenging times. He has drawn inspiration from the story of Job, who never lost his faith in God no matter how many disasters he endured.  

“My faith inspires daily life, guiding me toward discipline, compassion, and gratitude,” said Crespo. “It has supported me through family responsibilities, academics, and relationships, reminding me of a greater purpose. I hope to carry such faith into the future, using it as a guiding light in all facets of my life.”

Gabriel Espinoza – University of Pennsylvania

Espinoza has been filled with gratitude since the day he opened the email, surrounded by his family, that notified him of his acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania on a full scholarship.

Espinoza plans to major in finance or business administration, aspiring to become a corporate financial analyst. His interest in business came from observing his uncle’s information technology parts business and discovering his own love for math and problem-solving. Ultimately, Espinoza intends to use his finance education to better his community.

“I hope to use my financial analysis skills and business knowledge to eventually establish my own accounting firm in a low-income area to help financially illiterate families manage their money,” he said.

Espinoza cherishes the Ironbound’s diversity of foods, traditions, and annual parades along Ferry Street. He attended Oliver Street School and, in high school, has been very active in extracurricular activities. He had held leadership positions in the Science Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council. Outside of school, Espinoza has volunteered at his church, helped with Saturday classes, and contributed to his school’s Bridge program—all while supporting his younger sister, an 11-year-old in sixth grade.

Espinoza comes from a hardworking family of immigrants. His father, originally from Mexico, works as a cook, while his mother, from Argentina, is a babysitter.

In his free time, Espinoza enjoys socializing with friends through sports, video games, and casual hangouts. He also bonds with his sister by watching movies, playing games, and enjoying outdoor activities. A fan of manga, anime, and music, Espinoza balances his academic pursuits with a love for storytelling and creativity.

Henry Umana – Boston University

Umana’s interest in computer science has stemmed from his playing video games like Roblox and Fortnite. This fall, he will begin studying at Boston University, where computer science alumni include James Allard, a leader of Microsoft’s X-Box operation.

“The opportunity to attend BU with a full-ride scholarship means I do not have to worry about college debt,” Umana said. “This also means that my parents do not have to worry about paying for my education.”

Umana aspirs to work in information technology or technology-related fields. His fascination with technology has led him to develop a deep understanding of the software systems that power the Apple’s iOS system as well as the Windows and Android systems.

Born in Newark, Umana grew up immersed in the vibrant cultural diversity of the Ironbound community. He attended Lafayette Street School from Pre-K to eighth grade. Throughout high school, Umana has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities, holding leadership roles in Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Class of 2025. He has also participated in the Fashion Club, Journalism Club, Photography Club, and AP Science Club, and has helped other students with AP English homework.  

Umana’s family has been a source of inspiration and support. His parents, immigrants from El Salvador, have worked tirelessly to provide for their three children. His mother works in a deli, while his father works in construction. Umana also helps care for his two younger sisters, one of whom attends Technology High School, while the other is at Lafayette Street School.

In his free time, Umana enjoys spending time with friends. Last summer, he participated in the Harvard Pre-College Program, where he studied climate change and sustainability, and he attended the Dartmouth Bound fly-in program. These experiences, along with a visit to Bowdoin College in the fall, helped him refine his college application strategy.