Impact Update Third Quarter 2026
Rick Jackson Visits GCCA
August 18 was an exciting day as Rick Jackson, Georgia gubernatorial candidate, visited Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA). The purpose was twofold – tour the facility and learn more about our unique career coaching program that helped GCCA become Georgia’s 2025 College & Career Academy of the Year.
Mariana Soca-Harrison (CEO GCCA) escorted all the guests on a tour of three pathway laboratories – Culinary Arts, Audio/Visual and Healthcare. Throughout the tour Jackson had great interaction with students encouraging them to follow career paths they may want to pursue after graduation.
Following a presentation on how our career coaching and financial assistance program is focused on helping economically disadvantaged students, Jackson reflected on his own life experiences. Having grown up poor he said, “I have been there and this is exactly what your students need.”
A 2-minute video highlighting the visit has been posted on Facebook (Greene College & Career Academy or Thillen Education Foundation) and Instagram.
Three New Pathways
GCCA expanded its career-focused learning opportunities this year with three new pathways—Heavy Equipment Operations, Computer Science and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Each responds to current and future workforce demand by giving students opportunities to explore exciting careers and develop skills that can lead to high-demand, well-paying jobs.
In Heavy Equipment Operations, 50 students are learning OSHA safety standards and training on GCCA’s two new SimScholars™ CAT virtual simulators, mastering skills such as machine walkarounds, trenching and truck loading. Students then progress from simulation to operating actual bulldozers, excavators and backhoes under professional supervision, with the opportunity to learn industry-recognized safety and operating certifications.
The Computer Science pathway has attracted 60 students and combines foundational technology skills with practical applications relevant to today’s workplace, including experience using AI tools. Students can further develop those skills through technology-related internships available through GCCA’s Work-Based Learning program.
GCCA’s new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pathway launched in August with 12 students, introducing them to a career dedicated to helping others during medical emergencies. Through a partnership with Greene County EMS, students receive instruction supported by professionals who bring firsthand emergency-response experience into the classroom. The pathway is designed to build students’ knowledge of emergency medical care and prepare them to pursue EMT certification upon successful completion of the required training and eligibility requirements. This partnership strengthens the connection between classroom learning and the local healthcare workforce while helping students explore a meaningful career serving their community.
New Internship Model
A new partnership between The Shaifer Companies, Thillen Education Foundation and Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA) is creating a bridge between the classroom and the workplace. The internship program gives students structured, hands-on exposure to careers in wastewater utilities, construction, electrical systems, industrial maintenance and retail operations—industries that are all essential to our growing community.
The pilot program includes four GCCA students who rotate through four Shaifer Companies businesses: Piedmont Water Company, Mainline Industrial Solutions, Fortis Siteworks and Lake Oconee Ace Hardware. Students work two half-days each week and experience different career environments, allowing them to explore opportunities and better understand each industry.
Importantly, this is more than job shadowing. Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor and follows a structured learning plan designed to build workplace skills, confidence and an understanding of professional expectations. Before beginning their rotations, students also tour active facilities and project sites and meet with representatives from the participating companies.
This model closely reflects the mission of the TEF/GCCA partnership—helping students discover what is possible, develop a plan for their future and gain the real-world experiences that can help turn that plan into reality.
Giving Tuesday: Investing in the Next Generation
Giving Tuesday is especially meaningful to TEF. It is the one time each year we ask our community for financial support to continue investing in students through career guidance, educational opportunities and financial assistance.
Our goal each year is simple: replenish what the previous graduating class earned. The Class of 2026 earned $333,000 in Dave Dollars, scholarships and other post-high-school financial assistance. This year, our goal is to replace those funds so the same opportunities will be available for the students who follow.
Every student has a different path and a different dream—earning a college degree, beginning a career, launching a business or entering the military. What they share is a willingness to work toward a future they have planned for themselves. Your support helps provide the resources that can turn those plans into reality.
Early pledges and donations allow us to establish matching funds for this year’s campaign. Every pledge or donation from now through Giving Tuesday, December 1, will be matched dollar for dollar—doubling its impact for TEF students.
Professional Dress Day: Building Confidence and Career Readiness
At Greene College & Career Academy, preparing for the future includes learning how to present yourself professionally. Professional Dress Day connects classroom learning with workplace expectations, encouraging students to consider how their appearance, communication and conduct contribute to a positive first impression.
The September 18 initiative encouraged students to practice dressing for opportunities such as job interviews, internships, college presentations and professional events. It also reinforced an essential message: career readiness involves both technical skills and the confidence to represent yourself well.
Through GCCA’s partnership with the Thillen Education Foundation Career Coaching Program, students receive guidance as they explore career options and prepare for life after graduation. Professional Dress Day supports that work by giving students an opportunity to practice an important aspect of workplace readiness while still in high school.
High School Students Helping Younger Students
A new community service partnership is giving Greene County High School students an opportunity to help some of the county’s youngest children—without ever leaving school. Through TEF’s partnership with The Victory Train®, students are helping prepare educational materials that support parents in getting their children ready for kindergarten.
The Victory Train provides hundreds of educational packets containing age-appropriate books, puzzles, learning toys, crayons and other materials for families. Lack of transportation can make community service difficult for high school students. Victory Train volunteers bring the materials directly to school, where students assemble packets for home delivery. In the first week alone, students completed 60 folders.
Theresa Kemp, founder of The Victory Train, sees something even bigger in the partnership: “It is wonderful to see the older students giving back and helping the younger ones. Someday, TEF students will include Victory Train students who have grown up and are giving back to the next generation. I love seeing that full circle!”
Alumni Tiger Spotlight - Cameron Carmichael
Cameron “Cam” Carmichael, a 2023 Greene County High School graduate, is now a senior at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he is pursuing a degree in business and finance.
Throughout college, Cam has embraced opportunities for leadership, professional development, and community involvement. He has served as a student government senator and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. His dedication and hard work led to two internships with Protiviti, a global consulting firm, and ultimately a full-time consulting position in Houston, beginning in July 2027 following graduation.
Passionate about giving back, Cam returned to GCHS three times in the past year as part of the TEF College Coaching Program to share valuable advice with high school seniors about navigating college. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the guidance and support provided by TEF coaches throughout high school and college, as well as to work hard to earn Dave Dollars and Next Step Funds.
Cam’s journey is a shining example of how TEF’s one-on-one coaching and significant financial assistance can open doors, create opportunities, and empower Greene County students to achieve their dreams.
Please share your thoughts on this post in the comments section below. After typing your comment, click "Publish," then "Publish as Guest." Check the box to confirm that you are not a bot.
Comments