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This highly rewarding program is open to students aged 14 to 17 and provides hands-on experience in a healthcare environment while fostering a spirit of service and community engagement.

“Our Junior Volunteer Summer Program is not just about giving back; it’s about creating an enriching experience for both our volunteers and the Veterans they serve,” said Cristina Mercado

Acevedo, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE). “We take great pride in a program that is as valuable to students as it is to our Veterans, their families,

visitors, caregivers, and staff.”

The Junior Volunteer Program offers a variety of service opportunities that are educational and fun, all designed to enhance the healthcare experience for Veterans. Applicants should have an

interest in or experience working with healthcare professionals and Veterans. Consideration is given to the maturity of the applicant and their ability to interact confidently with the

public, staff, and patients.

Students must be willing to commit at least 100 hours of volunteer time. Those unable to meet that requirement may inquire about occasional volunteer opportunities. Multiple behavior issues

may result in immediate dismissal from the program, so applicants must be prepared to follow directions and cooperate at all times.

The program will run from June 2, 2025, through August 8, 2025. Students wishing to continue volunteering after the program ends may coordinate with their site Specialist.

New Junior Volunteers must complete the online interest form to receive the official application. Applications will be accepted starting April 21, 2025, until capacity is reached. Early

submissions will not be considered.

Virtual Orientation Class Schedule (Mandatory) for ALL Students and a Parent/Guardian:

Participants must select one of the following dates to attend a required orientation:

All returning Junior Volunteers must contact their respective site to inquire about reactivation.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Their interest, caring, and commitment are greatly appreciated and noticed by all. We encourage eligible students to apply

and become part of this impactful program.

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About the Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine

Health Care Network. offering health care services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system

received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the

2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.