Thillen Education Foundation raises more than $300,000

The Thillen Education Foundation (TEF) would like to thank the community for its overwhelming support on Giving Tuesday.

The goal was to raise $237,000 to replenish the financial assistance awarded to 2025 graduates in the career coaching program at Greene College & Career Academy (GCCA) inside Greene County High School. Thanks to a mix of very loyal donors and new donors, more than $300,000 was received.

Now in its eighth year, the TEF career coaching program has been instrumental in helping underprivileged students in a Title 1 high school realize their full potential and graduate to become productive citizens. A significant increase in the number of students attending college, technical school, starting jobs in local companies or joining the mili- tary is being realized.

“All donations become financial assistance to the students who opt in to our four-year career coaching program,” noted Dave Thillen, CEO of the Foundation. “This year’s generosity will allow us to distribute moredollars to future graduating classes. It is truly heartwarming to know that our community is so involved in being part of the solution to ending generational poverty in Greene County.”

TEF financial assistance opportunities for students in the coaching program:

• Students earn financial awards throughout all four years of high school.

• Seniors can apply for additional financial assistance for scholarships or career start packages.

• Funds can be applied toward college, technical school, professional supplies needed to begin a career, or to enter the military.

• Earned financial assistance can be used for up to two years after graduation or six years if in military service.

TEF is proud to announce that 100% of seniors in the past two classes (2024 and 2025) who participated in the career coaching program graduated — proof positive the program is working. In addition, community involvement through the career coaching program was a significant factor in GCCA earning the distinction of “College & Career Academy of the Year” for the state of Georgia.

Beyond better graduation rates the Thillen Education Foundation career coaching program also helps high school students focus on activities to better their lives and become better citizens. Between the first and fourth graduating class under the Foundation the following remarkable increases in performance have been realized:

• Attending College +128%

• Career Starts/Military +100%

• On Track to Graduate Before Senior Year +103%

On behalf of the students in the Career Coaching Program, the volunteer career coaches, and all active supporters, Thillen Education Foundation extends an immense heartfelt thank you to the community.

Based in Greensboro, GA, the 501(c)(3) Thillen Educatio Foundation (TEF) 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 at Greene County High School, a Title I school.

Through corporate sponsor- ships and funding support, TEF strives to have all students become productive citizens by financially enabling post-secondary education and skills training for hardworking students.

Learn more at thilleneducationfoundation.com.

This article originally appeared on Lake Oconee News.

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