Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer FAQs

What is the time commitment for CHOP volunteers?

Each program has varying time commitments. The minimum time commitment we ask of volunteers for each program can be reviewed under our volunteer requirements section.

What is the minimum age to become a volunteer?

All adult volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years old. For our summer teen program, we ask that all high school students be at least 16 years old by July 1 of the current year and have completed the 9th grade.

What is the process to become a volunteer?

The process to become a volunteer is a thorough one and can take 6-8 weeks to complete. Please review all of the information available to you on this website in regards to the programs offered and commitments required. Once you have done so, if you are still interested in volunteering, you are welcome to submit an application to volunteer.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is fortunate to receive many volunteer applications. Our program opportunities are based on the service needs of the hospital, therefore we match applicants’ skills, availability and experience to our current needs.

Can I volunteer if I haven't had much exposure to children?

We have many different volunteer placements. Some have more direct patient contact than others and it is important to bring up any concerns you may have about interacting directly with patients. In addition, we offer suggestions at orientation to help you interact successfully with the patients, siblings and families here at CHOP. Also, a staff member is always available to you while you are volunteering to answer any questions you might have.

If I just graduated from high school, trade school or college and I'm looking for a job, could I begin to volunteer while I'm looking?

We suggest that you concentrate on finding a job first. Once you have secured employment, you'll have a better idea of what days and times will work best for you to volunteer. You'll know for sure if volunteering will fit into your new schedule.

If I have a group of 10 friends from work could we take turns volunteering one evening a week?

Our requirements are the same for all volunteers. We require each individual to volunteer the same day, time and in the same area each week. It has been demonstrated that a regular weekly commitment is more satisfying to the individual and most helpful to the staff.

I am a high school student interested in volunteering at CHOP. What are my options?

Volunteering as a high school student at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia not only supports the hospital but also gives students exposure to careers in healthcare while offering them the opportunity to have experiential learning’s to assist in their personal and professional development. Hospital policy requires that all teen volunteers be at least 16 years of age by July 1 of the current year.

At CHOP, we offer high school students volunteer opportunities during the summer months only. We do not offer high school student volunteer opportunities throughout the school year. If you are interested in getting involved with CHOP throughout the school year, please go to our Foundation website for some ideas as to how you can help out.

Our Summer Teen Volunteer program runs for six weeks throughout the months of July and August (specific dates vary from year to year). Applications are usually available by April 1. Please be advised that there are a limited number of openings available for this program and we cannot guarantee everyone a volunteer position within any particular program or during any particular time frame.

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Did you know your employer may match your volunteer hours with a monetary gift to CHOP? Learn more.