UTBB FRIENDS
Why sponsor a student?
Many Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas (UTBB) students struggle to stay in school, not because they lack talent or motivation, but because they lack the financial support to continue.
The students you sponsor become teachers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Supporting their education contributes to a brighter future for our Mexican communities.
When you sponsor a student, you do more than fund an education — you invest in dreams that may not be realized without your support.
What does your sponsorship provide?
Sponsorship amounts are unique to each student's individual needs. Since the students we support come from families struggling financially, meals and bus tickets are the most common requests.
The supplies a student needs can range from textbooks to stethoscopes, a chef's uniform, medical scrubs, prescription eyeglasses or an anatomy textbook.
The average cost for a sponsorship averages around 1500US a year. Some years it could be lower. For a student who needs meals AND bus tickets in addition to materials, the annual cost could be closer to 2000US.
Our students are already enrolled in UTBB. They are finding ways to pay their tuition. A sponsor may decide to fully fund a student, including tuition, materials allowance and a laptop for 2800US a year. Or a sponsor may decide to partially fund a student to the best of their ability.
A long-term, personal connection.
Sponsors commit to sponsoring a student through graduation.
Long-term sponsorship allows sponsors to follow a student’s journey over several years — celebrating milestones, achievements, internships, and graduation. Watching a student grow personally and professionally creates a uniquely rewarding experience.
Students who struggle financially often juggle work, transportation challenges, housing concerns, or lack of technology. Ongoing sponsorship helps reduce those burdens so students can fully engage in their studies and campus opportunities.
Sponsors Gary and Amy Abrahams with Samuel and Mia.
"It is an honor to help a student, one who has the heart and is making all of the right choices but is short the funds necessary to make their dreams a reality. For the cost of one or two trips to Starbucks a week, it is a privilege to be part of a UTBB student's life and to give them the resources that will one day afford them the opportunity to pay it forward. This is such a wonderful chance to give to the community that we all cherish."
- Amy and Gary Abrahams
How does sponsorship work?
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A teacher, counselor or administrator at UTBB notifies us of a student needing assistance.
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We interview the student, verify income and grades, and write a summary.
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The summary includes family information, a letter from the student, and an estimate of the annual costs of sponsorship.
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We send the summary to potential sponsors.
Mia's sponsors loaded her new backpack with school supplies.
Alan is pleased with the new tablet from his sponsors.
As a sponsor you can expect:
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An agreement between you and UTBB Friends with the estimated costs for the year.
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An initial meeting with your student.
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Updates from UTBB Friends with photos, grades, and a letter.
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The joy of turning an impossible dream into a reality and building a long-term relationship.
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor fill out the form below or contact us directly.
Carolina examines her new suture kit.
Samuel received a new laptop from his sponsors.
Make a donation
Thank you for supporting vulnerable students. It's often a little things that can make a huge difference to a student's success. Every donation helps.
Amount
$50
$100
$200
Other
Carolina loves her kit for testing neuroliogical reflexes.
New medical shoes for Samuel! He was so excited!
Bus coupons for Selina and Jocelyn.
UTBB Friends is not a registered nonprofit. Direct contributions are not tax-deductible.
However, if you live in Canada, you can qualify for a tax credit through the Rotary Club of Saskatoon. They will transfer your funds to the Puerto Vallarta Sur Rotary Club for us. Email or phone Jim Weber, our advisor, at the Rotary Club of Saskatoon for the information.