Teen Volunteering
Summer 2027 Teen Volunteer Program
Online applications for the Summer 2027 Teen Volunteer Program will open February 1, 2027, at 5 p.m. and must be fully completed and submitted by February 2, 2027, at 5 p.m. The program will run May 30, 2027 to August 14, 2027; please consider your availability prior to applying.
The application window will be open for 24 hours. There is no advantage to submitting your application first, so please take your time and give thoughtful, complete answers. To be considered, your application must be fully completed and submitted before the application window closes on February 2, 2027 at 5 p.m
About Teen Volunteering
As a teen volunteer, you'll get an introduction to the pediatric healthcare environment while completing meaningful tasks under the supervision of hospital staff. Teen volunteers support patients, families and employees while building skills, confidence and meaningful connections along the way.
Interest in the Teen Volunteer Program is high, and we have a limited number of interview and volunteer opportunities. Because of this, we are not able to offer an interview or placement to every applicant. Applicants are evaluated based on availability, experience, professionalism, and completeness of application.
Who: Teens must be 15 years old by June 1 and currently in high school to apply.
What: Most applicants selected to move forward will attend a group interview. We look for teens who demonstrate professionalism, independence, maturity and the ability to make a consistent weekly commitment. Most assignments focus on supporting patients, families, and staff. Teens who are successful in their initial assignment may have opportunities to grow into other volunteer roles.
When: The program will run May 30, 2027 to August 14, 2027. Volunteers commit to one consistent 3 to 4 hour shift on the same day and time each week throughout the 10-week summer program. Teens may miss no more than two shifts during the summer. Evening and weekend opportunities are limited.
Where: Most teen volunteer assignments are located on the Nationwide Children's Hospital Main Campus. Please consider transportation to and from main campus when applying.
Application Process
Your application must be fully completed and submitted by February 2, 2027 by 5 p.m. Applications that have been started but not submitted by the deadline will not be considered.
What Happens Next?
The application process includes:
- Complete the teen online application
- Submit minimum of 2 references from non-family members you select
- If selected, attend a group interview
- Sign a commitment form confirming regular attendance for the summer
- Complete health requirements, including Tuberculosis (TB) test & vaccination records (flu, MMR, Tdap, Varicella)
- Complete an online orientation covering hospital policies such as safety, infection control, boundaries, and privacy
- Attend in person “welcome visit” to complete orientation and receive badge/uniform
- Attend assignment-specific training
No. Applications are not reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to take your time, answer the questions thoughtfully and make sure your application is complete before submitting it.
Your application must be fully completed and submitted online before the application window closes. Starting an application does not reserve a place or allow you to finish after the deadline.
Applicants selected to move forward will receive an email with instructions to sign-up for a group interview.
Our teen volunteers should be interested and enthusiastic about serving others. It is important to be independent, comfortable communicating with children and adults, able to follow directions and able to demonstrate maturity and respect. Volunteers receive important information about infection control, privacy, confidentiality, health, safety and interacting with patients and families, so learning and following hospital guidelines is essential.
Take your time and give thoughtful, complete answers that help us get to know you. Your application helps us understand why you are interested in volunteering, the experiences, and qualities you would bring to the program and your ability to make the required weekly commitment. Must be available May 30, 2027 to August 14, 2027, with no more than 2 absences.
Teen volunteers have one consistent assignment on the same day and at the same time each week — for example, Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. Most shifts are 3 to 4 hours. The program runs for 11 weeks, and teens may miss no more than two shifts during the summer in order to be considered for school year and future summer opportunities.
Most teen volunteer assignments are on the main campus. A limited number of opportunities may be available at other Nationwide Children’s locations. Available locations and assignments will be discussed during the interview process. We encourage applicants to consider the assignment itself, not only its location. All applicants must be willing to accept a main campus assignment to be considered for the program.
No. Volunteering and job shadowing are different experiences. Teen volunteer assignments focus on providing service and support to patients, families, and hospital staff. Job shadowing is an academic experience and is not coordinated through the Volunteer Program.
Learn about other opportunities for students at Nationwide Children's Hospital
We’re happy to help! We encourage teens to take the initiative and contact the Volunteer Program directly with questions about the application or program.
