Teen Volunteer Program

The Teen Volunteer Program is a rewarding experience that provides a special opportunity for teens, ages 15-17, who are interested in gaining a first-hand experience in a pediatric health care environment.

Teens who are accepted into the program will be placed in a variety of approved assignments throughout the hospital under supervision of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh staff.

Please note that UPMC Children’s Teen Volunteer Program Summer 2023 general inquires, and application period deadline has passed. This program has a lot of interest, and we are unable to accept any more inquiries/applications for this calendar year.

If interested in becoming a teen volunteer in the Summer of 2024, please check back on this page in February 2024 for more information.

Teen Volunteer Requirements

We are once again anticipating a high number of candidates for a limited number of positions at the Main Hospital in Lawrenceville, along with openings at satellite locations in Monroeville (CHP East), Bridgeville (CHP South) and Wexford (CHP North Surgery Center & CHP Pine Center).

To create a quality experience for each teen volunteer while supporting the greatest needs of the hospital, a limited number of candidates will be selected for interviews based on the following criteria:

  • Be 15-17 years of age (having turned 15 by June 1, 2023)
  • Commit to two (or three) day a week schedule (6 to 8 hours per week) for at least 8 weeks of the 10-week program period (June 12 – August 18)
  • Have two non-relatives complete reference form on your behalf
  • Complete the following immunizations during the onboarding process and prior to attending Orientation Training session(s):
    • TB (negative Tuberculosis test result – either Quantiferon Gold Blood test or two separate PPD negative readings)
    • Tdap (from within the last 10 years)
    • COVID-19 (minimum first 2 doses)

If program participants complete the program in the Summer and are in satisfactory or higher standing, they will be eligible, if interested, to be placed into select assignments on CHP’s year-round volunteer schedules and/or part of the following Summer program.

Internships, Externships, Shadowing, and Research Opportunities

The Volunteer Services Department does not process requests for internships, externships, clinical or professional shadowing, or research opportunities within UPMC Children's.

If you are interested in pursuing those types of opportunities, contact the hospital department directly for information.

Contact UPMC Children's Volunteer Services

To learn more about Volunteer Services at UPMC Children's, call 412-692-5185 or email chpvolunteer@chp.edu.

Learn more about all UPMC Volunteer Services »