Program Mission:
The mission of the Summer Junior Volunteer Program is to build vital partnerships with students who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others. Students are provided with an opportunity to explore the healthcare field while enriching the lives of our patients and giving back to the community.
Through the Summer Junior Volunteer Program, high school students are able to learn about healthcare professions while providing valuable assistance in key areas through the Harris Health. Volunteering can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience that will stay with you throughout your life.
Eligibility Requirements
- High school student (14-18 years of age)
- Commitment of service is six weeks
- Complete application
- Medical clearance process
- Completion of the Harris Health online orientation
Application and Onboarding Dates – A full packet with detailed information will be posted on this page by the first week of January.
Monday, February 3: Applications open for all locations
Monday, March 3: Last day applications may be open; many locations will reach capacity before this date
Tuesday, March 18: Signed parent forms due
Wednesday, March 19 at 6pm* or Saturday, March 29 at 10am*: Virtual Information Sessions – applicants should attend one session
Friday, April 4: Notification of Acceptance
Friday, April 25: Medical Clearance Deadline – see below for more details
Saturday, June 7, 8am – 12pm*: Junior Volunteer Orientation for all participants at Ben Taub Hospital
*times are tentative
Program Details:
Program Duration: Monday, June 16 – Thursday, July 24
Days: program specific, within Monday – Thursday
Times: program specific, between 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Minimum Hour Requirement: 60 hours
Returning Junior Volunteers
Returning junior volunteers candidates will receive more information by email at the beginning of January.
Examples of Common Junior Volunteer Positions:
All Volunteers have access to Harris Health Email and Epic (read only)
- Patient Navigation/ Greeter
- Specialty Clinic Assistant
- Hospital Department Assistant
- HIM - Medical Records
- Phone/Clerical Assistance (Patient Reminder Calls)
- Patient Educator Assistant
- Patient Packet Construction
- MyHealth Assistance
Immunization Requirements
Volunteers in healthcare settings must provide records to show immunity in order to protect themselves, fellow staff and patients. Please ensure you have the following immunization records ready to submit after the notification of acceptance in April:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - two doses or laboratory evidence of immunity (titer) are required.
- Varicella (chicken pox) - two doses, laboratory evidence of immunity (titer), or medical diagnosis of history of varicella disease (must be include dates and be signed by physician) are required
- Pertussis (Tdap) - one dose within the past 10 years is required.
The following titer will be provided at no cost to you by Occupational Health Services (only if needed; you may provide documentation from an outside provider.)
- Tuberculosis titer – this titer requires a blood draw. A recent TB titer may be provided to satisfy this requirement. A TB skin test does not satisfy this requirement.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q) May I get an exemption from a medical documentation requirement?
A) In most cases – no. You may speak with the staff at the Occupational Health Clinic to ask specific clinical questions.
Q) I want to volunteer at a specific clinic location, am I allowed?
A) Yes, each clinic and hospital location will have a specific application link. When all available spots fill for a particular hospital or clinic, that application will no longer be available.
Q) I want to volunteer, but I’m graduating and already 18 years old. Can I still volunteer?
A) You now qualify for our regular, adult volunteer program! We would love to have you back as an adult volunteer.
Learn more here.
Q) I have another question that is not answered here.
A) Please email
Volunteer@harrishealth.org with any additional questions. Please be mindful that the program may fill quickly. You may want to go ahead and submit your online application to ensure a spot in the program. The application is not a binding commitment to participate!