The Junior Volunteer Program application has closed.

The Junior Volunteer Program offers a valuable opportunity for teenage volunteers to cultivate compassion and gain hands-on experience in a hospital environment, where they can assist patients, families and staff. Our program aims to enhance personal and professional development by offering engaging educational experiences and meaningful volunteer assignments. To ensure the success of each volunteer, orientation and training is provided at the start of the program.

Becoming a Junior Volunteer provides the opportunity to:

• Explore new career fields
• Network socially and professionally
• Practice important job skills in real administrative settings
• Participate in special projects
• Improve the well-being of the people of Bexar County, South Texas and surrounding areas

Program Details

Application: Online only
Program Duration: July 8-19, 2024
Time: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Service Commitment: 60 hours during the 2-week period
Location: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229

Program Requirements

Please consider the following program requirements before applying. Applicants must:

• Be 15 to 17 years old at the time of application
• Submit a minimum of 150-word response to the essay question
• Submit a reference from a school counselor/administrator, teacher or community leader using the link provided in the application by 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2024
• If accepted into the program, comply with Employee Health Clinic clearance policy by May 10, 2024 (A parent/legal guardian must be present at both parts of the health screening.)
• Provide proof of immunizations to include the influenza vaccine (2023-2024)

Court appointed referrals are not accepted.

You will receive a confirmation email stating your application has been received after you submit it. 

What to Expect When Applying to Become a Junior Volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting patients, families and staff at University Health. It is important to carefully consider the time commitment, consistency and dedication required to ensure a mutually beneficial volunteer experience for all involved.

Step 1. Application

Submit the online application all supporting documents and references to be considered for the program by 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2024.

The online application includes a link to send to one reference who must complete an online form recommending you for the Junior Volunteer Program.

Your reference letter may come from any of the following:

• School counselor or administrator
• Teacher
• Community leader or agency who can discuss your community and/or volunteer involvement within the past year

Step 2. Interview and Health Screening

If the selection committee chooses your application, you must meet with the Volunteer Services staff to review the program outline and discuss expectations. A health screen is required and includes a physical, urine drug test, tuberculosis (TB) skin test and flu shot. Parents/legal guardians are required to attend both parts of the screening.

The following items are required at the health screen appointment(s):

• Photo identification
• A list of the current medications, if any
• Immunization records (If you do not have your records, a blood test may be performed to determine the presence of antibodies. The blood test is free of charge. If you do not have the particular antibodies, you are informed immediately. You may get the needed vaccines, either during the appointment at a cost, with your doctor or at any of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District offices.)

Step 3. Orientation and Uniform

During the required orientation and training session, you will learn important information about the hospital and your responsibilities as a Junior Volunteer.

Important: If you would like parking privileges, please bring proof of vehicle registration and insurance.

Every volunteer wears a uniform that includes:

• Blue polo shirt with a volunteer patch (provided free of charge)
• Tan or khaki-colored pants
• Closed-toed shoes worn with ankle-length or longer socks (no-show socks are not permitted)
• Photo identification worn at chest level at all times (provided free of charge)