They disappear from our classrooms
Many of the students at Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas (UTBB) in Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico, have overcome significant hurdles to attend college, especially those students from our rural communities. These students are succeeding at college - they are A and B students - and they are at risk. "Do I eat today or go to class?" A question too many or our students ask.
Discovery
Some UTBB teachers are giving money from their meager salaries to feed students. Top technology students are without laptops - relying on a few reconditioned donations. So many dreams, hopes and opportunities, in danger of being lost, can easily be nourished, we realized, with a little help and support. We want every deserving student to have a fair chance to graduate and succeed.
Who We Are
UTBB Friends is a volunteer group working in close collaboration with UTBB, providing assistance to top students identified as vulnerable and at risk of dropping out. Assistance might include covering meals, providing bus coupons or English books, supplying uniforms for culinary students, or supporting tech students with new or reconditioned laptops.
Lic. Gabriella Robles, UTTB Language Center Director, Danyele Blanchet, Dean Dr. Isaak Rivera Delgadillo, Stone Wolfsong, Bonnie Monares, Kaye Kameron, UTBB Culinary Arts student.
UTBB Friends envisions a world where
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Every young person receives a strong educational foundation preparing them for the future they choose.
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Every university student has the resources and support to complete their degree and begin a career in their chosen field.
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Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas is a model for how higher education institutions contribute to and strengthen their communities.
UTBB Friends Mission
To support student success by providing assistance to university students already enrolled in a degree program at Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas to ensure that students have the resources they need to overcome financial hurdles and complete their degrees.
Our Solutions
Food
UTBB Friends works closely with the cafeteria director to provide funds for a daily healthy lunch for our vulnerable students.
Transportation
UTBB Friends provides bus passes - students don't have to choose between transportation or food.
Uniforms
No student has to give up a dream of being a chef or owning a restaurant for lack of the required uniform
Personal Laptops
UTBB Friends provides personal laptops to our vulnerable students pursuing degrees in Technology and Digital Innovation
With your help we can do more!
"Supporting university students in vulnerable situations is not just an act of kindness—it’s an investment in our collective future. By extending a helping hand in these key areas, we not only ease their daily burdens but also empower them to stay focused, motivated, and on the path to graduation. Reducing university dropout rates begins with recognizing that no student should have to choose between survival and education. Let us be the bridge that keeps their dreams alive." - Lic. Gabriella Robles - founding member.