South College Orlando partners with Boys & Girls Clubs to host ‘Operation Bear Care’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 12, 2025

South College Orlando hosted Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida members for Operation Bear Care, a hands-on event designed to introduce children to the world of healthcare in a comfortable and approachable way.

Each of the participating second and third graders received a South College teddy bear to accompany them through mock medical examinations. Activities included diagnostic procedures, X-rays and listening for heart sounds, helping students become more familiar with healthcare tools and environments.

“At South College we are proud to inspire a love of learning at all ages,” South College Orlando President Jim McCoy said. “Initiatives like Operation Bear Care are a way for us to educate young students, spark curiosity and reassure them that places like doctors’ offices and hospitals don’t have to be intimidating.”

South College students and faculty from Radiography, Nursing and Physician Assistant programs offered demonstrations and guided the Boys & Girls Club members as they explored various aspects of healthcare.

“We love partnering with local organizations like South College to bring creative, hands-on learning opportunities to our Club members,” said BGCCF President & CEO Jamie Merrill. Initiatives like Operation Bear Care make it possible for kids to explore careers in healthcare in a way that’s both fun and inspiring. It’s experiences like these that help open doors to bright futures — sparking curiosity, confidence and a sense of possibility in every child.”

South College Orlando offers a range of healthcare programs designed to prepare students for their professional futures. The institution’s strong ties with local organizations and commitment to interactive learning make events like “Operation Bear Care” possible, showcasing the college’s dedication to healthcare education throughout the community.

The Orlando campus is located at 6649 Westwood Blvd. and features modern classrooms, laboratories and equipment. Opened in 2021, it offers healthcare-related certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs in areas such as Health Science, Imaging Science, Medical Assisting, Physician Assistant Studies, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology.

South College students who qualify for financial aid have access to a range of Florida state scholarships and grants.

For more information about South College Orlando visit south.edu/orlando.

Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, as well as online and Competency-Based Education programs.

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 and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (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.