Student Volunteer Program
Student volunteers are an important part of the VA medical centers’ treatment team. They will receive valuable experience and training which will benefit them in applying for college and jobs. The James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award provides scholarship opportunities to students who volunteer at VA medical centers (your local VA health care Voluntary Service staff has current nomination criteria). Student volunteers are liaisons with their communities and provide a valuable element of caring for Veterans. The VA Voluntary Service program offers students excellent opportunities for:
- exploring health care career options;
- gaining experience in a health care environment;
- learning new skills; making new friends;
- qualifying to be nominated for multiple college scholarships and the James H. Parke Memorial college scholarship
There are many opportunities to explore in the Student Volunteer Program. Here are just a few of the services and specialties available to student volunteers:
| Audiology and Speech Pathology | Outpatient/Ambulatory Care Activities | Extended Care |
| Occupational Therapy | Information Technology | Patient Escort |
| Laboratory Medicine | Pharmacy | Medical Administration |
| Physical Therapy | Medical Illustration | Research |
| Nursing | Social Work | Nutrition and Food Service |
How do I become a VA student volunteer?
You have two convenient ways:
- Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for Voluntary Service. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VAVS Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment! Locate the VA facility nearest you.
- Go to Volunteer or Donate, fill out and submit the form. Someone from the local VAVS office will contact you with further information.
