Oct. 07, 2026
South College Knoxville hosted nearly 120 students with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) to offer an interactive glimpse of the college experience and explore different professional pathways, from construction management to surgical technology.
High school students from Blount and Knox counties were chosen for the 4th Annual Technical Training Camps through a competitive application and interview process. The camps are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ YouthForce program, which helps teens determine educational and professional paths they may wish to pursue.
From handcuffing techniques in Law & Order Camp to compounding medicines with School of Pharmacy faculty, students engaged in hands-on, immersive activities in six different camps: construction management; healthcare; law and order; physical and occupational therapy; surgical technology; and leadership, which included education, business and psychology.
“At South College, we love inspiring students to dream,” said Neil Heatherly, campus president of South College Knoxville. “These camps give high school students experiences they may not otherwise have and help them envision a future that inspires and excites them.”
Each camp offered challenges and insight into various fields. High schoolers in leadership camp were able to explore marketing, education strategies and psychology, including emotional intelligence and personality assessments. The healthcare professions camp introduced students to physical and occupational therapy protocols and offered hands-on experience in imaging, nursing, medical assisting and physician assistant roles.
The three-day camps culminated in a closing ceremony where students received certificates recognizing what they learned and achieved.
“YouthForce offers diverse career-focused activities and programs that help teens build essential skills and identify career paths aligned with their interests and talents,” said Dr. Polly Johnson, Director of Education and Workforce Development for BGCTNV. “Participants also experience a college campus, connect with professors and gain deeper insight into specific career pathways.”
The BGCTNV YouthForce program connects teens aged 14-18 with businesses that invest in their training and development.
“We value our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs and are honored to inspire the next generation of leaders through vocational and professional exploration,” Heatherly said.
The camps have taken place at the South College Parkside campus located at 400 Goodys Lane. The higher education institution also has its Lonas campus at 3904 Lonas Drive. For more information, contact the admissions team at 865-214-6020 or visit south.edu/knoxville.
South College offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations 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; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 22,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 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 and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Online and CBE. 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 serve more than 8,400 youth through our 29 Clubs in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Knox, and Loudon Counties. Dive deeper into our world at bgctnv.org.
