EMC’s New Teen Volunteer Program

Pictured L to R: Carol Reed, Director of Marketing and Volunteer Services, Jessica Kyles, Tamara Walton, Kristen Searcy, Celeste Bozeman, Ava Pate, LaWanda Hall, Healthcare Administration Intern.

School is out for the summer, but the learning process is continuing for 5 local teens. The students are part of a new teen volunteer program at Evergreen Medical Center. The 6-week program allows the volunteers to serve the community and learn about careers in the health care field.

“I want to work in Finance, and volunteering gives me an idea of what my job would be like,” said Celeste Bozeman.

Some of the students aspire to be doctors, physical therapists and nurses, but the volunteer experience can prepare these teens for virtually any career they choose. Working at the hospital allows the teens to observe many different skills at work.
Ava Pate said, “I wanted to volunteer at Evergreen Medical Center because I want to become a physical therapist. The new EMC Health and Wellness where the PT department has moved to is really nice and we have a lot of fun!”

Volunteers have to be at least 14 and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Students also have to complete an application, interview, and attend orientation before beginning work.
During the six weeks, the volunteers will each earn a total of 120 hours of volunteer service.

“The competition for scholarships is fierce, and one of the things they look for is volunteer or community service,” said Carol Reed, Director of Marketing and Volunteer Services at EMC. “There are not many opportunities in the community that allow teens to have such an experience, and we are proud to be able to provide one here at EMC. It is a two-way street, because the departments also benefit when the volunteers are here.”

EMC plans to offer this program again in 2006. Applications will be available at each high school in the Spring.