To find volunteer opportunities near you in the field of youth health, consider joining our Youth Leadership Council (YLC) or applying for our Student Internships. Both programs are part of our commitment to improving adolescent health care and providing professional development opportunities. You can check the availability of these positions and apply directly by contacting YouthHealth@nychhc.org. Additionally, local health facilities and community centers often have partnerships with our programs and may offer opportunities close to your location.
Get Involved
Our volunteer opportunities offer a chance to contribute to various initiatives that support mental, physical, and emotional health among youths. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit more time, your involvement will help us create a healthier, stronger future for our youth. Get involved today and see the difference you can make!
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
- Professional Development: Student Internships
Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) aims to promote youth engagement and partnerships by providing opportunities to build youth leadership skills and promote personal development. The council also seeks to nurture youth-adult partnerships and engage youth in developing and implementing strategies to improve access and the quality of care for adolescents across the healthcare system. YLC is a group of diverse high school students who are interested in health, mental health or a healthcare profession. Members of the YLC commit to serving for one year, with the option to return the following year. Applications are available March-June.
Professional Development: Student Internships
In addition to the YLC, AHP engages youth to improve adolescent patient services within NYC Health + Hospitals by conducting patient surveys, focus groups, and interviews. AHP provides professional development through internships to high school, college and graduate students interested in adolescent health and health care. AHP provides academic credit if arrangements have been made with your high school or college. AHP also ensures student interns meet their program’s requirements. Interns come from the Summer Youth Employment Program or are recruited from colleges and universities.
Student Intern Projects
Here are some examples of past intern projects to support AHP's work:
- YLC Peer Leadership
- Transition to Adult Care
- Social media and communications
- Patient education
- MyChart sign-up
- Access to confidential reproductive health services
Volunteer Opportunities: Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer.
- Interns are required to complete the NYC Health + Hospitals volunteer documentation. Interns must follow NYC Health + Hospitals’ COVID-19 guidelines for employees when working on-site at Central Office, 50 Water Street, New York, NY.
- Time commitment: We ask interns to commit to a set number of hours per week and to a minimum length of service. Specific commitment requirements vary but can range from ten to fifteen hours per week for a period of three to six months.
- Training: AHP will provide trainings relevant to the project the volunteer intern will be working on. These are free of charge. Training sessions often provide new skills that are valuable for professional development.
- Medical Requirements: If the project involves working on a project at a NYC Health + Hospital facility during the internship, the volunteer intern must complete the medical requirements of the facility before they begin the internship. Most facilities require that volunteers:
- Received a physical exam within the previous 12 months
- Have a PPD test for tuberculosis
- Have immunization for tetanus, chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella
- Be vaccinated against the flu each year if your service coincides with the flu season
To learn about current internship opportunities, contact: YouthHealth@nychhc.org
FAQs
High school students interested in volunteering in our Youth Health Program through the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) or our internship opportunities must meet several requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
- Complete the necessary NYC Health + Hospitals volunteer documentation.
- Adhere to the NYC Health + Hospitals’ COVID-19 guidelines.
- Commit to a specified number of hours per week for a duration ranging from three to six months.
- Participate in training sessions provided by AHP, which equip volunteers with skills necessary for their projects.
- Fulfill medical requirements, including a recent physical exam, immunizations, and flu vaccinations if serving during the flu season.
High school students have the opportunity to volunteer in various capacities within our Youth Health Program. They can join the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), where they can help develop strategies to enhance adolescent healthcare services and gain leadership experience. Alternatively, students can participate in our internship program, which offers hands-on experience in patient services and professional development in the healthcare sector. These positions are available at our Central Office in New York Citycentral office in New York or at various NYC Health + Hospital facilities, depending on the project's needs and the volunteer's location. For more details and to apply, high school students can contact YouthHealth@nychhc.org.