Encourage high school students to apply for Young Volunteer Program in Rochester
Mayo Clinic in Rochester is welcoming high school students to join the Young Volunteer Program. Students will provide weekly volunteer service with opportunities in clinical or nonclinical services areas from September through December.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester encourages area high school students to apply for Session 3 of the Young Volunteer Program. Students provide weekly volunteer service from September to December with opportunities in clinical and nonclinical areas.
"Students will learn more about healthcare careers while growing in their communication and interpersonal skills," says Erin Pittman, Volunteer Services.
How to apply
High school students aged 14 to 18 can apply from July 24–31.
Applicants and their parents or guardians must attend Young Volunteer Orientation on Aug. 8, from 4–6 p.m. in the Siebens Building. The session will review the program structure and benefits, types of service opportunities, onboarding requirements and expectations.
Feedback from staff and patients
Pittman says that Mayo staff look forward to working with young volunteers.
"Our staff enjoy the energy youth bring to the work culture and are passionate about engaging these students in their work," she says.
Pittman also notes that patients have felt encouraged through their interactions with young volunteers, finding it emotionally fulfilling and comforting. She cited a nurse manager who shared comments from a patient's wife who had spent time with a young volunteer during his hospital stay.
"She sought me out specifically to say what a nice job (the volunteer) did and how much she and her husband enjoyed their visit with him. She shared that her husband has had his fair share of frustrations in this chaotic hospital environment and that it was so nice to have a conversation and connect with someone unrelated to his hospital stay," the nurse manager said.
About the program
The Mayo Clinic Young Volunteer Program was established in 2004 to provide students aged 14–18 opportunities in clinical and hospital settings.
Learn more on the Mayo Clinic Young Volunteer Programs intranet site.