Junior Volunteering
High School Students (Ages 16+ through the summer after graduation)
WakeMed Volunteer Services offers high school students age 16 and older an opportunity to volunteer when junior openings are available. The Junior Volunteer Program is a high-demand program, and the number of interested students often exceeds the number of available placements. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or placement.
NEXT APPLICATION CHECK DATE OCTOBER 15, 2026
Students should check this page on the 15th of October, December, February, April, June and August for current application availability. When applications are available, they will generally remain open for approximately 24–48 hours. Raleigh Campus and Cary Hospital availability may differ.
Applications are not selected on first come, first served. All applications received during an available application period are reviewed based on program requirements and available junior placements.
What You’ll Do
The goal of the WakeMed Volunteer Services Department High School Junior Volunteer Program is to provide high school students with exposure to a hospital setting and an opportunity to give back to their community. Volunteer assignments are service opportunities and are not internships or job-shadowing experiences.
Before You Apply
- This is a high-demand program with more applications received than available openings. We cannot accept every applicant.
- Students who are not selected will be notified and may apply again during a future application cycle.
- WakeMed Volunteer Services does not give preference based on a student's connection to WakeMed.
- Junior applicants are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet
- MUST be age 16 or older to apply
- MUST be able to commit to a minimum of six months of service
- MUST be available to volunteer one day a week on a regular set day and time; weekend openings are limited.
- MUST have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- MUST receive clearance from Occupational Health, including flu, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and TB requirements
- If actively seeking employment, please wait until your work schedule is established, so you can confirm your availability to volunteer.
- Apply to only one hospital location (Raleigh Campus or Cary Hospital).
- Must be able to communicate well in English; second-language skills are a plus.
- WakeMed does not accept applications for court-ordered community service hours.
- Volunteer Services can provide verification only for volunteer hours served.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee placement.
- Application processing may take approximately three to five weeks.
If Selected, You Must Be Willing To
- Complete an in-person or virtual interview.
- Commit to volunteering once a week for six months.
- Complete all required medical screenings.
- Complete orientation and required training.
- Provide two references.
- Complete the Requirements for Juniors to Participate Form.
Review Openings Before You Apply
IMPORTANT: Students should review the Junior Volunteer Assignment Openings for ages 16–18 before applying. Students may apply only for assignments identified as junior-eligible. These are the areas where selected junior volunteers may be placed.
View Current Openings Before You Apply
