Program Overview

• Designed for high school students aged 16 and older

• Provides exposure to a hospital environment and community service

• Not an internship or shadowing experience, but a true volunteer opportunity

Program Structure

• Offered in two sessions:

  1. Summer Session: 3 months (May/June to August 31), 30 hours commitment

  2. School Year Session: 6 months (September to May 31), 60 hours commitment

• Available at multiple locations, including Cary Hospital and Raleigh Campus

Application Process

• Applications are only accepted during specific times of the year

• Online application opens at 2:30 pm on designated dates

• Applicants should apply on the day the application opens due to high demand

• Students can only apply to one hospital location

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 16 years or older on the application opening date

• Ability to commit to the required months of service and total hours

• Communicate well in English (additional language skills are a plus)

• Willingness to receive medical clearances (vaccines, TB screening)

Selection Criteria

• Applications are reviewed holistically, considering:

  • Accuracy of submission

  • Strength of application

  • Availability

  • Location proximity

  • Department needs

• Selection is not based on connections to WakeMed or first-come-first-served basis

Responsibilities

• At Raleigh Campus, Junior Volunteers start as Guest Ambassadors

• Other placements depend on service needs and availability

• Tasks may include patient interaction, assisting staff, and supporting hospital operations

Requirements for Selected Applicants

• Attend a Virtual Information Session

• Complete all onboarding requirements, including medical clearances

• Fulfill mandatories for Volunteer Services and Hospital

Additional Information

• Not accepting applications for court-ordered community service

• Volunteer Services can only provide verification of hours served

• Students meeting minimum requirements may request to continue beyond the initial commitment

The WakeMed Junior Volunteer Program offers a structured opportunity for high school students to contribute to their community while gaining valuable experience in a healthcare setting. The application process is competitive, and interested students should carefully review all requirements before applying.