Close Up Radio Spotlights Dave Thillen of Thillen Education Foundation

Greensboro, GA – Education creates opportunity. Career plans provide structure. Coaching delivers inspiration. Hard work guarantees success.

That’s the philosophy of Dave Thillen, founder of the Thillen Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community-based mentoring program offering personal coaching for underprivileged students.

Thillen Education Foundation has partnered with Greene College and Career Academy to deliver an innovative, coaching, scholarship and financial assistance initiative that will enrich the lives of thousands of students for years to come.

“I'm driven by a passion to help kids,” says Thillen.

“I grew up in poverty, but I went on to receive a master's degree in math,” recalls Thillen. “When I retired from IBM 24 years ago, I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building houses. After two years, I asked, “How can I do more to help the kids that live in these Habitat for Humanity houses?’ so I started installing refurbished computers donated by the community and coached the kids who lived in the houses. Almost all of them graduated high school and many of them went on to college.”

Now in its fourth year, Thillen Education Foundation has 120 volunteer career coaches from the community.

Students also have the opportunity to earn “Dave Dollars,” which they can cash in for real dollars upon graduation.

“We put together what I call ‘the promise,” says Thillen. “If you continue your education, start your career or join the military, we promise you financial assistance to get started.”

For more information, visit www.thilleneducationfoundation.com