VolunTEEN Program Offers Real-World Experience For High School Students

Fall is a time of harvest and abundance, and Columbus Community Hospital has an abundance of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.

The hospital's VolunTEEN program offers area teens the opportunity to provide hands-on service as an extension of the health care team, while also developing new skills and making new friendships.

"Our focus is on building relationships with the students," said Angie Ramaekers, director of volunteer and guest services at the hospital. "We learn about their career goals and interests and what excites them. With all that information, we craft volunteer opportunities mutually beneficial for the VolunTEEN and the hospital departments."

Since the program started in 2010, more than 100 area teens have benefited from its hands-on experience. Currently, 25 VolunTEENs actively serve in various hospital departments, including acute care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, plant operations and rehabilitative services, among other areas.

Ramaekers said she encourages students to both job shadow and volunteer so they can get the best experience possible.

"This program is a winning approach to career exploration and community involvement," she said. "Some of our VolunTEENs have pursued careers in health care after being part of our program, while others learned which areas no longer appealed to them."

To be considered for the VolunTEEN program, applicants must be a high school student between the ages of 14-18. Interested students will also need to complete an application and onboarding process.

During their senior year of high school, hospital VolunTEENS are eligible to apply for the VolunTEEN scholarship.

To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital's VolunTEEN program, visit columbushosp.org.