Agress Summer Health Corps
2025 Agress Summer Health Corps Program
Applications for the 2025 Program Will Be Open Only from December 1 – December 31, 2024
The Agress Summer Health Corps Program is an educational, hands-on program that provides high school students with an opportunity to volunteer in a hospital environment while making lasting friendships. Each participant is assigned to one department or unit for the duration of the program, where they have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of the hospital. They will all gather for lunch, tours, and panel presentations that will expose them to a range of health disciplines and allow them to meet BIDMC clinicians at various stages of their careers. All participants will receive a meal card to cover the cost of lunch. Free parking is available; however, we are not able to provide reimbursement for MBTA, rideshare trips, or gas. As this is a daytime program, we do not provide housing.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Massachusetts residents. Out-of-state, international, or applicants intending to move to Massachusetts for the program are not eligible. Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. Previous participants may not apply, however previous applicants who were not accepted, and who meet all other eligibility criteria, are eligible.
All accepted candidates must submit proof of immunizations, including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, and COVID-19 booster, and all must get a TB test prior to the start of the program.
Responsibilities
Accepted students are responsible for a variety of tasks within their assigned department or unit, depending on the needs of the patients and staff. Students may be asked to round on patients to ensure their needs are fulfilled, re-stock in the unit, answer phones, and other similar tasks. They are expected to be culturally sensitive, compassionate, and resourceful volunteers who are strong communicators. Additionally, they should be able to engage with a variety of patients and healthcare professionals in a mature and empathetic manner.
Program Dates & Times
Dates and times for the 2025 program will be announced by December 1, 2024.
Application Process
The application process consists of an application form, two references, and an in-person interview. One of the references must be from a guidance counselor, academic advisor, or teacher.
The application will only be open from December 1 – December 31, 2024. Due to the high number of applications that we receive, we are unable to make exceptions.
Candidates will be notified whether they have been accepted to the 2024 program by April 1, 2025.
What Do We Look for in an Applicant?
All applicants are given the same consideration and undergo the same screening process. When assessing applications, we first narrow the field to complete and accurate applications that offer a glimpse of the student's personality and highlight qualities the student would bring to the BIDMC community and to the group. Additionally, we look for students who are able to manage the application process on their own, as well as manage their own schedule. Part of demonstrating this maturity is communicating on one's own behalf whether by phone, email, or in person.
In fairness to all applicants, we do not discuss applications, interviews, or placements with anyone other than the applicant, and we do not give preference to relatives of BIDMC staff or physicians.
We receive many more applications than we have available roles. Our goal is to create a diverse team of committed volunteers who are best suited for our limited number of volunteer opportunities. We hope to attract applicants who might not otherwise have opportunities to gain experience and make valuable connections at a world-class academic medical center.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Sarah Quinones-Myers at 617-667-3026, or by email.
2024 Agress Summer Health Corps
26 Massachusetts high schoolers participated in the Agress Summer Health Corps Summer 2024, gaining work experience in a healthcare setting and learning about healthcare professions.