Junior Volunteer Program
The application period for 2026 has ended. Information about the summer 2027 program will be posted in early 2027.
About the 2026 Program
The Junior Volunteer Program is an opportunity for local high school students to provide valuable, voluntary service in their community over the summer. Applicants must be 14 years old and have completed 8th grade by June 15, 2026 to be eligible to participate. Acceptance can be quite competitive, depending on how many applications are received. This year, the program will have space for sixty (60) participants.
Wayfinding Opportunity
- Our large, urban campus can be difficult to navigate. Patients and visitors to VCU Medical Center and the Children's Hospital of Richmond appreciate volunteers welcoming them and assisting them in locating their appointment or loved one. This is a great way to interact with a variety of people, learn about our complex facility, and gain experience talking with patients and their families.
- Successful volunteers in this role have a positive attitude, are comfortable talking to people from diverse backgrounds, can remain calm when others are stressed, and are able to walk with others through our complex of buildings. Knowing the buildings in advance is not a requirement but having a sense of direction is helpful.
Activity Assistant Opportunity
- The Family Care Center offers daycare and preschool for children of VCU Health employees. Classes are split into Infants (birth to 12 months), Toddlers (12 months to 3 years), and Pre-K (3 to 5 years). Volunteers work with the Family Care Center teachers, by helping with group activities, which may include games, arts/crafts, reading, snacks, outside time, etc. This is a great way to learn about children and stages of development.
- Successful volunteers in this role have high energy; interact well with children and their caregivers; can carefully follow teacher instructions and center policies; have good verbal and nonverbal communication skills; and are friendly, outgoing, compassionate, and nurturing as well as playful and creative.
Scheduling
- Mandatory training will be offered at several different times June 15-19 (each volunteer only needs to attend one training session)
- Volunteering will last for eight (8) weeks, from June 22, 2026 to August 14, 2026
- Volunteer shifts are available in three-hour blocks Monday-Friday only: 9am-12pm and 12pm-3pm
- Each volunteer will be expected to serve at least eight (8) shifts over the eight (8) weeks of the program, with no more than two (2) shifts per in any week
- Volunteers will not be guaranteed any particular shift(s); open shifts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Selecting individual shifts will be through a self-scheduling portal
- Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation
Application Process
- For this year's program, spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each applicant will be offered and must complete a mandatory interview in order to be considered for the program.
- On your application, you must provide an email address that we will use for communications, including how to schedule an interview.
- After interviews have been completed, Volunteer Services will notify applicants by email.
- Individuals who are not offered a placement initially may be placed on a waiting list.
Acceptance into the Program
Individuals who are offered a placement in the program will be given detailed instructions to complete the requirements. Participation is contingent upon meeting our deadlines for completing the following:
- Submitting a participation agreement form
- Submitting health screening documentation
- Proof of certain immunizations and timely tuberculosis testing; detailed information will be provided to those accepted into the program
- It will be the responsibility of each selected applicant to complete the requirements and cover any associated costs
- Attending a Volunteer Training
- Multiple times will be offered for mandatory Volunteer Training to be held June 15-19 (attend only one); detailed information will be provided to those accepted into the program
If you have questions that are not answered here, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-0922