Commitment
Thillen Education Foundation is committed to developing tested and proven intellectual property, including web-based program materials and guidebooks to enable communities around the country to establish similar structured programs that empower young people to engage with coaches in their future planning, earn financial assistance for scholarships or professional supplies, and reap the long-term rewards of post-secondary education and related professional opportunities
In the near term, our foundation vision is to maximize GCCA student participation in the personal coaching program designed by Thillen Education Foundation. We raise funds to enable college-bound students to gain peace of mind that the burden of expenses for post-secondary education will be minimized and to empower trade-skilled graduates to begin a professional career with the appropriate tools and supplies. In the future, our vision is for the Thillen Education Foundation educational and financial assistance model to be replicated by our nation’s public schools, impoverished or wealthy, urban or rural.
Vision
Mission
The Thillen Education Foundation is a distinguished community-based earned financial assistance program based on personal coaching and committed to honoring the achievements of 450+ students participating in Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA) of Greensboro, Georgia, a Title I school. Through business sponsorships and funding support from donors who share our commitment to ending generational poverty in Greene County, Georgia by financially enabling post-secondary education and skills training for hardworking students.
Our Impact
In May 2020, we formalized our education foundation as a Georgia 501(c)(3) entity after more than a decade of dedicated volunteerism to provide personalized coaching and financial educational assistance to students living in poverty. Since our formation, the outpouring of support from businesses, community organizations, and individuals has been nothing short of spectacular. Our growth from zero to $1,000,000 in one year is testament to the strength in our model, and we’re only just beginning to realize what we can achieve together.
The impact of every dollar donated is immeasurable. Through your generosity, we can guarantee for years to come student earned financial assistance for skilled trade and military careers and earned college scholarships for students choosing post-secondary education as their next life phase.
Please help us to reach our stretch campaign goal of $5 million to ensure the longevity of this invaluable community program that enables students to rise from poverty into a world of great personal and professional possibilities.
4000
In a 10-month school year, students schedule appointments 4,000 times.
130
130 coaches are meeting with the entire Greene County High School population.
$1M+
As of December 31, 2021, TEF has raised our first million dollars. We love our partners and donors!
1:3
TEF provides approximately 1 coach per every 3 students as of 2022.
30%
Since Greene County Schools partnered with TEF, student promotion rates have increased by 30%.
60%
Since Greene County Schools partnered with TEF, discipline referrals have decreased by 60%.
Founder and President
Dave Thillen
Creator of the Career Coaching Program, retired IBM Business Unit Executive, instructor and gymnastics coach at West Point, U.S. Army veteran
Vice President
Chuck Rowland
Vice President - Retired international sales and internal auditing corporate executive, world traveler, avid runner
Secretary
Shannon Daniel
TEF Director of Operations, Independent Contractor
Meet the Team
Personal coaching encourages kids to believe in their dreams.
Poverty should never limit a child's future possibilities.
Elaine Thillen
Co-founder, Thillen Education Foundation
Our Heart & Soul
We believe in the infinite possibility for personal and professional growth in each student who participates in Thillen Education Foundation program. As volunteers for students, our passion is limitless. It’s a fact. Every time a student achieves a new life or career goal, we share in his or her joy. We thrive on their wins, celebrate their financial assistance earnings, and rally them on to even greater life successes. The individual volunteer-student partnerships are the lifeblood of our institution. Our business partners, community organizations, and donors provide the high-powered fuel for the financial assistance engine we have created to help students achieve their lifelong career dreams for college, the military, or skilled trade careers.
How it Works
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Join Our Impact
Experience the rewards of preparing a hard-working teen for college, the workforce, or military service, and ensuring a guided, financially-assisted path to their future.
Become a Partner
Activate your business mission by partnering with us to advance student opportunity through earned financial assistance and respectful diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sign Up For Events
Nothing is more exciting than seeing our kids engaging with our volunteer life coaches. Join us for our next in-person event!