Become a youth volunteer
Junior Volunteer Program
Are you a high school student between ages 15 and 18 who’s interested in volunteering and wants to learn more about careers in healthcare? Apply to our Junior Volunteer Program (JVP)! You’ll enjoy an exceptional experience in this 8-week, structured summer service program where you can experience different types of service opportunities and interactive educational sessions. And throughout it all, you can explore healthcare career areas.
Interested? You’ll need to apply online, provide references, complete the essay and interview process and commit to serving at least 4 to 5 hours each week during the 8-week session. Participation during 7 of the 8 weeks is a minimum for acceptance into the program.
2025 locations
The JVP is offered at the following locations in 2025:
- Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton)
- Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (Lewistown)
- Geisinger Medical Center (Danville)
- Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre)
2025 important dates
Save these important dates for the 2025 JVP:
- Feb. 1 – Feb. 28: Application period for all locations
- March 3 – 14: Application review
- March 17 – April 11: Participation in 1 evening or Saturday morning group interview. (Date depends on location.)
- April 26 – May 17: Participation in 1 required orientation session, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Date depends on location.)
- June 16 – Aug. 8: Chosen participants serve 4 to 5 hours weekly and attend 1 or more in-person or virtual educational session each week. Service and educational sessions are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Application process
The admission process is competitive and space in the program is limited, so you must apply during the February application period for the following summer’s program.
Apply online between Feb. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025:
After you’ve submitted your application, a member of our team will contact you and guide you through completing the following steps in the application process:
- Complete the required essay we send you.
- Arrange to have 2 references submitted on your behalf.
- Attend a group interest interview.
- Successfully complete a health screening, including testing for drugs and nicotine.
- Attend the required Saturday orientation session.
- Complete all clearances upon turning 18.
- Complete any other training needed before starting service.
- Meet all Geisinger vaccination requirements.
Service opportunities for minors are limited at Geisinger. All youth volunteers must complete a summer session of the JVP (held annually June – August) before volunteering at any other time.
Questions? Contact us by emailing volunteers@geisinger.edu or calling 570-214-6021.
Aspirations in Medicine and Healthcare Initiatives: A career exploration program
If you’re thinking about a healthcare-related career and you’re in 10th or 11th grade, consider Aspirations in Medicine and Healthcare Initiatives (AiM HI). This is a 1-day event you attend through your school district. Geisinger partners with your school staff and administration to present it.
This interactive, hands-on career exploration experience lets you learn about healthcare-related professions, including clinical and non-clinical focus areas.
You’ll hear from Geisinger professionals as they present educational sessions to you in small groups and share information about the background, experience and education you need to work in various healthcare roles. You’ll also learn what to expect when working in specific career areas and go in-depth on the opportunities available in various healthcare fields.
AiM HI event locations
This event is hosted annually in 3 locations in the Geisinger service footprint and includes schools from the surrounding regions:
- West: Held in January in Lewistown at the Geisinger School of Nursing
- Northeast: Held in March in Wilkes-Barre at Wilkes University
- Central: Held in October in Danville at Geisinger Medical Center
How to participate
Students can only participate and register for this program through their local public school.
School representatives should call 570-214-6021 or email tsmcdowell1@geisinger.edu for specific dates and more information.