PRINT: With donated bus, high school students can now explore careers on site

Dave Thillen with GCCA students pose in front of the new bus with a sign that reads 'Thank You GMS.'

Last month, Gypsum Management and Supply (GMS), donated a 14-person bus to the Greene College and Career Academy (GCCA) at Greene County High School. Field trips to local corporate headquarters and active job sites will allow GCCA students to experience their selected career paths first hand which align with their career skills growth. GMS is a leading distributor of construction products in North America, headquartered in Atlanta.

“The hardworking students who participate in the Greene College and Career Academy

coaching program in partnership with Thillen Education Foundation dedicate hours each week to building professionalism, communications skills, and career goals,” says Jack Gavin, Chairman of GMS. “It is vital that these students see and experience the careers they envision for their futures. Donating a bus for field trips is the least we can do to recognize how focused and driven these students have become through the coaching program.”

To guide students onward into productive and fulfilling careers, GCCA and Thillen Education Foundation define 15 distinct pathways for roles as diverse as emergency medical responder, culinary arts leader, audio/video technician, automotive mechanic, welder, cosmetologist, marketing manager, and many other careers.

With the donated bus, field trips and company visits are now more accessible. It has already been on many trips including transporting 8 welding pathway students to a welding competition held in Athens. “We are extremely thankful to GMS for enabling our students to

observe and interact with professionals in their chosen fields,” says John Ellenberg, CEO of

GCCA. “Providing this new bus allows us to build out a roster of meaningful career experiences and introduce our students to local business people who might well become their future employers.”

GCCA students show off their Dave Dollars on their new bus.

Giving Tuesday is November 30th and the Thillen Education Foundation needs your help to give all 450 Greene County High School students a brighter future. Every dollar invested on Giving Tuesday up to $50,000 will be matched by two generous supporters. If you plan to donate to any nonprofit on Giving Tuesday, we kindly ask you to choose the Thillen Education Foundation! Thanks for changing students' lives!

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