Teen Volunteer Opportunities at Children’s

The VolunTEEN Program is for high school students ages 15 to 18, who are looking for a rewarding way to spend a portion of their summer. VolunTEENs will spend their days bringing smiles and laughter to the halls of the hospital, while also gaining knowledge of the healthcare world. From the front desks to patient units, VolunTEENs will support Children’s staff, play games, and most importantly, leave a lasting impression on our patients and families. 

The program spans eight weeks during June and July. Interested teens must be able to commit to volunteering at least one day a week for three hours, missing no more than two days of the summer commitment.

2026 Program Information

Application Period: CLOSED

Mandatory Training dates:

• Arthur M. Blank Hospital: June 3rd from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Hughes Spalding Hospital: June 3rd from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Scottish Rite Hospital: June 2nd from 2 to 4 p.m.

Program Dates: June 8 to July 31, 2026

VolunTEEN Program Application Status

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Children’s through our VolunTEEN Program.

The 2026 VolunTEEN application period is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications at this time.

The next opportunity to apply for the VolunTEEN Program will in February 2027. Specific application details will be posted on this page when the application period opens.

We encourage interested students and families to check back in early 2027 for updates.

How do I apply to volunteer at Children's?

The information below is provided for planning purposes only. Application steps are subject to change and will be finalized when the 2027 application period begins.

1. Meet the following volunteer requirements:
   • Be at least 15 years old by the start date of the program.
   • Pass a criminal background check (if 18 years or older).
   • Provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); chickenpox; and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
   • Provide proof of flu vaccination from the current flu season.
   • Be willing to receive a Quantiferon Gold or TSPOT Tuberculosis blood test if accepted into the program.
   • Attend the mandatory training (makeup trainings are not provided).
   • Adhere to Children’s policies and procedures.
2. Review the Volunteer Manual.
3. Complete the volunteer assessment and application.
   Applicants must receive a minimum score of 80% to unlock the volunteer application.
4. Upload required paperwork to complete your application:
   • Immunization records including:
     • MMR (two immunization dates)
     • Varicella/chickenpox (two immunization dates or titer results proving immunity)
     • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
     • Flu shot
   • Color copy of a photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, passport, etc.)
   • Background check disclosure
   • VolunTEEN Agreement
   • Media Consent and Waiver
   • Name and email address of a nonfamily member who will complete the online recommendation form on your behalf

Who to contact for more information about our VolunTEEN Program:

• Arthur M. Blank Hospital: Kaitlin Richards
• Hughes Spalding Hospital: Charice Holt
• Scottish Rite Hospital: Jennifer Zhu

The Explorer Program is an educational program for currently enrolled high school students interested in the exciting world of healthcare careers. This is an educational program—there is no patient interaction. For high school students interested in direct volunteer work, see the VolunTEEN program.

Potential opportunities include:

• Talking with doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists and medical specialists about their experiences in healthcare.
• Exploring career opportunities in child life, the Children’s Foundation, rehabilitation and many other unique fields to find what interests you.
• Learning about what topics you are interested in and the journey it takes to pursue the career you want.
• Meeting other students interested in medical fields.

What dates is the Explorer Program held?

2025-2026 Program Dates (all sessions will run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.):

• Sept. 9, 2025
• Oct. 14, 2025
• Nov. 11, 2025
• Jan. 13, 2026
• Feb. 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026

Registration for the Explorer Program is now closed.

Where is the Explorer Program held?

All sessions will be held through a virtual platform.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information about the Explorer Program, please contact Kaitlin Richards.

Children’s welcomes and appreciates support from our scouting community. Whether it’s donating to one of our three hospitals or participating in one of our existing programs, Scouts have the opportunity to learn more about Children’s and make a difference in the lives of others. See below for ways your troop can get involved.

• For individual service projects (e.g., Gold/Silver/Bronze Awards and Eagle Scout Projects): Reach out to Anna Duckworth for information about project coordination and approval.
• For troop projects and opportunities: Reach out to Anna Duckworth for information about project coordination and approval.
• For individual opportunities: You may participate in one of our existing programs, such as Young Friends.

We know that our teen patients can bring unique insights into the care we provide. Children’s is tapping into this resource with its Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a collaborative venture with current and former patients between the ages of 13 and 17 years old. This council gives them a formal opportunity to help us enhance the care we provide to kids and teens.

Learn more about our Youth Advisory Council.