Messages from the TCC Foundation
Josh Stewart
Chief Development Officer
Every gift to the Tarrant County College Foundation is an investment in people and in their extraordinary potential. It empowers Trailblazers to achieve more than they ever thought possible. It also strengthens our region by preparing the skilled, educated talent that employers and communities depend on.
Throughout these pages, you’ll meet students whose lives were changed because someone invested in their future. You’ll also see how scholarships, strategic partnerships and philanthropy strengthen not only individual lives but families, employers and communities across North Texas.
Daniel Villegas
TCC Foundation Board Chair
At Tarrant County College, we believe that educational opportunity can change the trajectory of an individual’s life, strengthen families and enrich entire communities. The Foundation exists to help make those opportunities possible, and the achievements highlighted throughout this report directly reflect the investments made by people who share that belief.
The Foundation expands scholarship opportunities, funds innovative academic and workforced programs, strengthens students support initiatives, and cultivates partnerships that advanced economic mobility across our region. Every contribution entrusted to us represents an investment in human potential and a commitment to building a stronger future for Tarrant County.
We recognize the trust our donors place in us, and we absolutely work to ensure that every gift creates meaningful and lasting impact.
Together, we have the opportunity to expand access, remove barriers, strengthen our workforce and empower the next generation of leaders.
About the TCC Foundation
Mission
The Tarrant County College Foundation invests in the success of TCC students through philanthropy and community partnerships.
Values
- Championing student success
- Expanding opportunity through education
- Building meaningful community partnerships
- Creating lasting philanthropic impact
- Practicing responsible stewardship of community investment
Financial Snapshot
For the 2025–26 Academic Year
Students who received a scholarship scored 12% higher GPAs than those of other students.
Donors
Mike Tyson
Tyson Family Scholarship
Supporting future educators is a way for Mike Tyson to honor two educators whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. His mother and aunt both enjoyed long, nurturing careers as elementary school teachers, shaping generations of students through their compassion and love of learning.
Using funds inherited from them, the Tysons established the Tyson Family Scholarship in 2024 to preserve their legacy and support students pursuing careers in early childhood education.
The family’s endowed fund will begin providing scholarships this fall to students pursuing TCC’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching program.
Mike has long appreciated TCC’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education. He believes community colleges play an essential role by offering flexible and affordable pathways tailored to students’ individual abilities, circumstances and career goals.
“It is a true blessing to our family to know that this scholarship will help educate future teachers for many years to come, while honoring the legacy of our mother and aunt.”
—Mike Tyson
Founder: Mike Tyson
Betty J. Davis
Betty J. Davis Scholarship
Betty J. Davis never stopped setting goals for herself. A devoted mother, educator, world traveler and quilter, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education while raising a family as a single mother. After years in the classroom, she continued her commitment to children and learning by opening a preschool in retirement. Her daughter and son-in-law established the Betty J. Davis Scholarship to honor that determination and the family’s shared belief in the power of education. The scholarship was especially meaningful to Betty because it often supports nontraditional students whose journeys reflect her own. She understood the challenges of balancing work, family and college, and she took great pride in meeting scholarship recipients at TCC’s annual scholarship dinners.
“I’m a first-generation college attendee, and education has afforded me and my family opportunities that I never dreamed of as a young person. We are privileged to be in a situation that allows us to help others have a similar experience.”
—Aaron Cook
Founders: Brenda and Aaron Cook
Alex Horton
Alex Horton Scholarship
Alex Horton considers helping Tarrant County College students an investment in both individual opportunity and the future of his community of nearly five decades. He established the Alex Horton Scholarship to help motivated recent high school graduates pursue an associate degree, certificate or pathway to further education. Over the past five years, Alex has contributed to support TCC students.
His most recent gift will provide scholarships for future teachers through the College’s new Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching. He sees a growing need for well-trained educators to strengthen schools and communities as North Texas continues to expand.
Alex’s central goal: Help as many students as possible. He values TCC’s affordable tuition, campuses located across Tarrant County, and broad selection of degrees, workforce credentials and emerging programs. He wants his gifts to provide immediate financial relief, giving recipients the space to focus on their studies and the encouragement of knowing someone believes in their potential.
“A scholarship gives a student inspiration and breathing room while showing them that someone believes in their ability to succeed.”
—Alex Horton
Founder: Alex Horton
Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews Fine Arts Scholarship
For Mike Matthews, supporting fine arts students is an extension of a 41-year career devoted to teaching, leadership and expanding opportunity at Tarrant County College. As Dean of Humanities at TCC Northwest, he championed the growth of those programs, including the development of a formal dance curriculum, a student dance company and additional faculty positions, as enrollment increased.
When Mike retired in 2011, he used his retirement incentive to establish the Mike Matthews Fine Arts Scholarship. Faculty members and colleagues added donations as retirement gifts.
The scholarship made its first award in 2012 and has since benefited 24 students, with three additional recipients expected in 2026.
The scholarship has helped Mike remain connected to TCC. He receives letters from recipients, attends performances and follows the progress of Trailblazers who share their artistic aspirations.
“All faculty can have an impact at TCC, even after they retire, because their students carry forward what they have learned. The ripple effect does not stop. Through a scholarship, you can see that ripple effect, see the results, and know you made a difference.”
—Mike Matthews
Founder: Mike Matthews
Future Stewards: Susan Billings and Laura Blackman
Student Success by the Numbers
Be a part of that. Together, we can create more brighter tomorrows.
Johnna Smith
Scholarship TK | Spring 2026 Graduate
A New Direction, Supported from the Start
After a successful 22-year career in fashion retail, Johnna Smith found herself at a crossroads. Changes in the industry and three layoffs in two years convinced her it was time to approach something different. Nursing had long been an interest. “I dove back in with a summer course, and every one of my classmates was younger than my children,” she said. “But TCC was the perfect place for me to start again.” Within 24 hours of reaching out, she had the information she needed to take the Texas Success Initiative assessment and begin the enrollment process. That support continued in the classroom. A professor told Johnna about accommodations available through the College. A TCC Foundation scholarship was especially critical. As an adult learner with a household income and decades of financial responsibilities, Johnna did not qualify for many traditional forms of aid. Just as important, the award affirmed her decision to continue her education.
Jessica Stanley
Mario Hernandez Scholarship
Building a New Legacy
For Jessica, becoming a teacher has been a lifelong dream. “I absolutely loved school and learning,” she said. Now, as a first-generation college student at Tarrant County College, Jessica is working toward an Associate of Arts in Teaching and plans to continue her education with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. For Jessica, earning a college degree means more than reaching a personal goal. It means breaking a generational barrier and creating a new example for her own children. “It means the world to get to do something my parents didn’t and to establish a new tradition and legacy for my kids,” she said. Returning to school has required perseverance. Jessica balances classes with work and the responsibilities of managing a household, all while maintaining the academic standards she has set for herself. Receiving the Mario Hernandez Scholarship has helped ease one of the biggest pressures that comes with pursuing a degree. “It’s one less thing to worry and stress about,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship helps validate my hard work and reminds me that the campus community truly supports my goals.”
Investing in the Future of Aviation
Industry Partners Propel TCC Students into High-Demand Aviation Careers
North Texas is one of the nation’s most dynamic aviation regions, and Tarrant County College is helping prepare the skilled professionals who will keep it moving. Through partnerships with industry leaders Embraer and GE Aerospace, the TCC Foundation is connecting students with the financial support, advanced training and industry exposure they need to move from the classroom into high-demand aviation careers.Industry Partnerships
TCC aviation maintenance technology students gain access to industry mentorship, hands-on learning and direct pathways to careers with one of the world’s leading airlines.
With an emphasis on workforce development, Embraer is investing in TCC’s aviation maintenance technology students with funding that removes barriers to FAA certification and prepares graduates for high-demand careers.
Pinpoint scholarship support for certifications and continuing education helps this partnership equip future dental assistants with the skills, credentials and confidence needed to succeed in a competitive healthcare field.
By supporting advanced training, industry certifications and hands-on learning opportunities, GE Aerospace helps TCC students gain skills, experience and credentials plus access to cutting-edge technology and high-demand aviation careers.
With a shared commitment to building healthier communities through education and workforce development, our partnership with JPS connects students with clinical experiences, career-focused training and healthcare pathways.
Through innovative training, hands-on learning and direct pathways to employment, TCC’s partnership with Texas’ largest transmission and distribution electric utility equips students with the technical expertise needed for high- demand careers in the energy industry.
Updated November 09, 2026