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 spams 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. There will be additional opportunities, such as informative sessions with healthcare professionals. 

You must be 15 by May 30th to be eligible for the program.

Important Dates
Thank you for your interest in our VolunTEEN 2023 Program! Applications for our 2023 Program will not open until February 6th.

• Application opens: February 6th, 2023
• Application deadline: February 10th, 2023 at 4pm
• Mandatory Training dates:
• Egleston: May 31st from 2pm-4pm
• Hughes Spalding: May 31st from 2pm-4pm
• Scottish Rite: May 30th from 2pm-4pm
• Program dates: June 5th - July 28th

How do I apply to volunteer at Children's?
Read all steps below before completing the assessment. Applications will not be accepted until the online steps are completed and all forms are received.

1. Meet the following volunteer requirements:
• Be at least 15 years old and
• Pass a criminal background check (if above the age of 18, final acceptance pending results).
• Provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); chickenpox; and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).
• Provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
• Provide proof of flu vaccination from this flu season
• Provide proof of negative Quantiferon Gold or T-SPOT Tuberculosis blood test. Please note: We do not accept TB skin tests.
• Attend the mandatory training.
• Adhere to Children's policies and procedures.
2. Review the Volunteer Manual.
3. Complete the volunteer assessment that unlocks the volunteer application upon receiving a minimum score of 80 percent. The link to the assessment is currently closed and will be available on February 6th.
4. Drop off your forms at the information desk located at the front entrance of the hospital:
• Immunization records that include measles, mumps and rubella (two immunization dates); varicella/chickenpox (either two immunization dates or titer results proving immunity); Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis); flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination
• Provide proof of negative Quantiferon Gold or T-SPOT Tuberculosis blood test. Please note: We do not accept TB skin tests.
• Background check disclosure form (if above the age of 18)
• Color copy of your photo ID (driver's license, school ID, passport, etc.)
• Completed recommendation form (attached form to be completed by non-family members)

Where to drop off your documents:

Children's at Egleston
Attn: Volunteer Services
1405 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

Children's at Hughes Spalding
Attn: Volunteer Services
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Children's at Scottish Rite
Attn: Volunteer Services
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Children’s. Your completed application will go directly into our volunteer database. Should you be selected for an open position, a volunteer coordinator will contact you for a personal interview. 

Who to contact for more information about our VolunTEEN Program:

• Hughes Spalding: Charice Holt
• Egleston: GraceAnne Dukes
• Scottish Rite: Amanda Miller

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?

2022-23 Program Dates:

• September 13, 2022
• October 11, 2022
• November 15, 2022
• January 17, 2023
• February 21, 2023

Where is the Explorer Program held?

All sessions will be held virtually through the WebEx platform.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information about the Explorer Program, please contact Gabbi Markle.

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 Julia Ward for information about project coordination and approval.
• For troop projects and opportunities: Reach out to Julia Ward for information about project coordination and approval.
• For individual opportunities: You may participate in one of our existing programs, such as Young Friends or MedKids.

We know that our patients and their families can bring unique insights to the care we provide. Children’s is tapping into this resource with its Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a collaborative venture with patients, their siblings and children of Children's employees that gives them a formal opportunity to help us enhance our caregiving efforts.