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 600 students participating in Greene College & Career Academy Career Coaching Program at Greene County High School, a Title I school. Through business sponsorships and funding support from donors who share our commitment to ending generational poverty in Greene County, Georgia, we are financially enabling post-secondary education and skills training for hardworking students.
Our Impact
The career coaching program began in 2018 with the first class of students attending the Greene College & Career Academy inside Greene County High School. Each year, another class was added until 2022 when all four classes of students participated in the unique career coaching program. To date, two classes have graduated after participating in the program for all four years of high school. The "Our Numbers" chart shows the graduation rate for Greene County High School increased significantly over the period 2018-2023 from 77% to 86%, clearly outpacing Georgia's increase from 82% to 85%. Five years ago, Greene County High School was five points behind, today it is one point ahead. The chart also shows progress made in the first two graduated classes.
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.
Meet the Team
Our volunteer Board of Directors drives day-to-day foundation operations and partnerships, establishes long-term financial strategy for donor fund investment and disburses earned financial assistance to students, and guides communications and fundraising to continue our efforts for years to come.
Personal coaching encourages kids to believe in their dreams.
Poverty should never limit a child's future possibilities.
Elaine Thillen
Board of Advisors, 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!