GEISINGER’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WRAPS FOR THE SUMMER; SEVERAL FROM OUR AREA TOOK PART
Read GEISINGER’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WRAPS FOR THE SUMMER; SEVERAL FROM OUR AREA TOOK PART on Merf Radio
GEISINGER’S YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WRAPS FOR THE SUMMER; SEVERAL FROM OUR AREA TOOK PART
Geisinger’s Junior Volunteer Program hosted 100 youth participants age 15 to 18 this summer. They collectively served more than 5,600 hours supporting Geisinger patients, families and staff.!
The teens learned personal responsibility and professionalism and explored future career options through hands-on service opportunities and educational workshops. Opportunities included:
CPR and trauma response training
Resume writing and understanding college admissions
Service programs including Caring Cart and the Canine Therapy Program
Leadership roundtable session with regional and system leaders
Career education sessions in pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, surgery, maternal fetal medicine and emergency medicine, led by Geisinger professionals
“The program builds a better future for our communities and our organization by helping to educate and prepare local youth to serve in healthcare roles,” said Tina McDowell, volunteer services director.
It’s held annually from mid-June to mid-August at four Geisinger hospital campuses: Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.
Know a teen who might be interested in this program?
Those interested can start the online application process in February. They’ll need to provide references and participate in group interviews. To be accepted, students must also commit to serving 40 volunteer hours and participating in 15 hours of career exploration education during seven of the eight weeks of the program.
The admission process is competitive, and space in the program is limited. Teens should plan ahead to apply for the summer 2025 session.
Learn more about the program application requirements at geisinger.org/about-geisinger/volunteer.
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Caption: Learning about the healthcare industry is a valuable experience for junior volunteers, including Geisinger’s pet therapy program, which offers support to patients and their family members. Left to right, Lucas Dick, Riley Hine, Zoey Foltz, Ava Baker, Jean Swartz (adult volunteer) with pet therapy dog, Ava, Kayleigh Shearer, Shaylin Shaffer, Avery Snook, Emma Herwig and Kylle White (Volunteer Services Manager, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital)