High School Volunteer Program in Rochester accepting applications through Dec. 2
The High School Volunteer Program in Rochester — previously known as the Young Volunteer Program — is accepting applications from area high school students to provide weekly volunteer service from February through May 2025. Volunteer opportunities are available in clinical and nonclinical areas.
"We are proud that our High School Volunteer Program gives students the opportunity to Learn, Serve and Grow through their interactions with patients and staff at Mayo Clinic," says Erin Pittman, director of Volunteer Services.
How to apply
High school students aged 14 to 18 can apply from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2. Applications will not be accepted after Dec. 2.
Applicants and their parents or guardians must attend the High School Volunteer Orientation on Dec. 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in the Siebens Building, Fourth Floor. 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 high school volunteers, finding it emotionally fulfilling and comforting. A nurse manager shared comments from a patient's wife who had spent time with a high school 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," the nurse manager said. "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."
About the program
The Mayo Clinic High School Volunteer Program was established in 2004 to provide students aged 14–18 with opportunities in clinical and hospital settings.