Oct. 07, 2025
South College Knoxville hosted nearly 100 students with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to offer an interactive glimpse of the college experience and explore different professional pathways, from law and order to surgical technology.
This year’s theme was Dream it. Try it. Become it.
The high school-aged students were selected to participate in the 3rd Annual Technical Training Camps after a competitive application and interview process through Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV).
The students engaged in hands-on, immersive activities in five different camps: law and order; physical and occupational therapy; respiratory therapy and surgical technology; advanced nursing; and leadership, which includes education, business, and psychology.
“At South College we love to inspire students to dream,” said Neil Heatherly, campus president for South College Knoxville. “These camps are designed to help high school students see themselves as future college students and professionals and expose them to experiences within different possible career paths.”
Law and order camp included introductions to handcuffing, crime scene investigation and a mock trial. High schoolers in leadership camp were able to explore marketing, education strategies and psychology including emotional intelligence and personality assessments. Advanced nursing camp challenged students to take and evaluate vital signs, and offered an overview of stabilizing trauma patients, the importance of a sterile environment and much more.
The three-day camps culminated in a closing ceremony where students received certificates recognizing what they learned and achieved.
“The partnership with South College is a benefit for YouthForce as it allows participants the opportunity to gain exposure to varying types of careers and programs of study prior to graduation,” said Dr. Polly Johnson, Director of Education and Workforce Development for BGCTNV. “Along with the experience of being on a college campus, the participants are able to establish relationships and engage with college professors to gain additional insight and knowledge about specific career pathways.”
The BGCTNV YouthForce program connects teens aged 14-18 with businesses that invest in their training and development.
“We deeply value our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs and consider it a privilege and a joy to inspire the next generation of leaders through the transformative power of education and career exploration,” Heatherly said.
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 18,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; Marietta, Georgia; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV)
BGCTNV is committed to offering a premier Club experience, empowering every young individual who enters our doors to envision a successful future. We prioritize ensuring our members are on a solid path to complete high school and have a well-defined blueprint for what lies ahead. Our Clubs provide a secure and nurturing space for members during after-school hours and throughout the summer. With an array of over 35 engaging programs, we cover diverse areas such as STEM, the Arts, Health & Wellness, Physical Fitness & Team Sports, and strategies to counteract Summer Learning Loss. Annually, we touch the lives of more than 7,600 youth through our 26 Clubs spanning Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Claiborne, and Knox Counties. Dive deeper into our world at bgctnv.org.
