Tillamook Bay Community College Foundation
Most students who attend TBCC need some financial help to attend college. Many students work full-time, support families, and balance multiple responsibilities while trying to achieve their education. With the help of generous donors, the TBCC Foundation funds student scholarships to ensure that education is always accessible.
But that’s not all. We also support educational programs at TBCC to help the college have the necessary resources to stay current. The Foundation’s purpose is to engage the entire community and increase philanthropic support for student scholarships and the growth, innovation, and overall financial strength of Tillamook Bay Community College.
We do this by sharing stories about current and former students and by offering opportunities for the community, corporate partners, grantors, employees, and alumnae to contribute to fundraising.
Obtaining a GED and continuing her education had always been a dream for Maria Leos. When she moved to Tillamook in 1989, it was among the many goals she set for herself and her family. Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S. from the age of seven, Maria’s story is one of resilience. She raised five children on her own while keeping her educational dreams alive. After an on-the-job injury left her unemployed, she saw it as the opportunity to fulfill a longstanding promise—to go back to school.
Maria began her GED journey at Tillamook Bay Community College by tackling math first. Drawn to its simplicity from childhood, where “two plus two” had always made sense, but algebra and geometry posed new challenges. She admits she might have quit if not for GED instructor Judy Palamores. Judy offered patient, one-on-one support, ensuring Maria grasped each concept until she passed her exams. Instructor Robert Potestio also played a key role, especially in helping her learn to write essays. “He gave me every single essay he had in his box,” she said. “He made up stories just to help me learn.” Their encouragement helped turn her doubt into motivation.
“TBCC provided not only the materials I needed but the personal support I never had before,” Maria shared. Tutors like Nikole Clark made a lasting impact, meeting her where she was. At age 51, Maria received her GED and walked across the graduation stage in June 2024.
Inspired to continue, she enrolled in TBCC’s phlebotomy program. Her passion for healthcare was reignited while caring for her father. “He passed thinking I was his nurse,” she said. “That moment made me realize I had to go for it.”
Balancing school, work, and family was difficult, but with support from instructor Jodi Richardson and continued encouragement from Judy and Robert, Maria persevered. “Judy and Robert were my cheerleaders,” she said. “Jodi even let me practice my first blood draws on her. I did it successfully the first time. For her to trust me, that meant the world.” She graduated again in June 2025 with her Phlebotomy certificate.
Maria describes the support she received at Tillamook Bay Community College as nothing short of life changing. “TBCC made me feel so welcomed. Everybody, the staff, the teachers, from the moment I walked in here, make me feel like I’m part of the family.” Now, Maria dreams of becoming a traveling phlebotomist with the Red Cross. But more than anything, she wants to inspire others to follow their dreams of receiving an education— from young people to older adults who think it’s too late. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. If you have dreams, chase them!”
Financials
Programs
What is our mission?
To increase the awareness and level of financial resources available to Tillamook Bay Community College to provide quality education and bridges of opportunity in serving students and the diverse educational needs of the college and community.
What do we value?
We value our donors and prospective donors and their confidence that philanthropy is a transformative power and their assurance that their contributions are essential to our student’s success and the academic excellence of Tillamook Bay Community College.
Volunteering + Events
Mildred Davy Memorial Scholarship and Recognition Event
The TBCC Foundation holds an annual event to recognize scholarship recipients and show heartfelt gratitude to scholarship donors and community members who make the scholarships possible each year.
North Coast Throwdown Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
This cornhole tournament is put on annually by the TBCC Foundation in an effort to raise awareness and support for the Career-to-Career scholarship program. Attend as a spectator or sign up a team and enter the tournament. All proceeds support the Career-to-Career scholarship.
Student Emergency Funds
Emergency funds are a critical source of support for students at Tillamook Bay Community College. The intent of the emergency funds program is to provide students who are experiencing an emergency or urgent unexpected expense with the funding to help them bridge the gap and stay in school.
Career-to-Career Scholarship
The Career-to-Career scholarship is a tuition scholarship available to qualified Tillamook County individuals. Students must have at least five years of work experience. As long as the student maintains their eligibility, Tillamook Bay Community College will award a tuition scholarship for the student to earn their first degree. This is an excellent opportunity for those returning to their education to complete a degree.