The Need
UTBB Friends was formed after learning that almost 10% of our students at Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas (UTBB), good students with big dreams, disappear from our classrooms every quarter.
Some of our students
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Cannot afford to buy meals - they struggle with learning because they are hungry,
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Don't have the 35 pesos for the bus from home to the university,
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Understand that culinary arts is a lucrative career here, but have to give up the dream because the cost of a uniform is prohibitive,
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Are frustrated by the very real technology gap because they have no access to a personal computer,
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Can't afford the cost of an English textbook, or the boots agricultural students need.
These can be insurmountable barriers to our students. But for our wider community (that's you!) the solutions are not insurmountable. They are simple. The community here has the heart and the resources to help every deserving, vulnerable student at UTBB.
Our Response
UTBB Friends is a volunteer group. We work closely with the university to provide assistance to students who are struggling to stay in college. We also provide mentoring and workshops focusing on customer service, English language, French conversation, technology and math skills.
UTBB Friends first met with Dr. Isaak Rivera Delgadillo in one of our first meetings. On September 10, 2025, the agreement forming the partnership between the university and UTBB friends was signed. Dr. Isaak commented that UTBB Friends is a first for the university and expressed his gratitude.
How the Program Works
There is a rigorous application process. We verify
GPA and Income. Applications are reviewed by UTBB Friends.
Once approved, the process is explained to the student. Mentoring is available.
Student must maintain good grades and communicate regularly with the committee and/or mentor.
The committee collects and reviews data. Evaluates results. Makes any necessary changes to the types of assistance provided.
We celebrate the students who graduate and the volunteers who helped them