Discover the Mayo Clinic CARES Program: A Volunteer Opportunity for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Volunteering is a powerful way for students to gain invaluable experience, strengthen their college applications, and develop crucial skills. Beyond personal growth, it’s about contributing meaningfully to the community. The Mayo Clinic Cares Program offers high school students a unique gateway into the world of healthcare, providing an enriching volunteer experience within a renowned medical institution. Student volunteers bring fresh enthusiasm and unique perspectives to Mayo Clinic, enhancing the environment for both staff and patients alike.

For high school students considering careers in healthcare, the Mayo Clinic CARES Program provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with patients and healthcare professionals. This immersive eight-week program offers firsthand exposure to the inner workings of a major medical center. Running from Monday, June 2, 2025, to Friday, July 25, 2025, the Mayo Clinic CARES Program is designed to be both educational and impactful.

Benefits of the Mayo Clinic CARES Program

Participating in the Mayo Clinic CARES Program offers numerous benefits for high school students:

• Meaningful Contribution to Patient Care: Volunteers play a vital role in supporting patient care, making a real difference in people’s lives within the Mayo Clinic environment.
• Explore Diverse Healthcare Careers: Gain insights into a wide spectrum of healthcare professions, helping you make informed decisions about your future career path.
• Educational Enrichment: Attend informative presentations designed to broaden your understanding of healthcare topics and the medical field.
• Community and Friendship: Connect with like-minded peers, build lasting friendships, and become part of the Mayo Clinic volunteer community.

The Mayo Clinic CARES Program is fundamentally aimed at supporting Mayo Clinic employees and enhancing patient care. While direct clinical exposure and shadowing are not components of this program, volunteers gain valuable knowledge about the healthcare ecosystem through service assignments. These roles involve both patient and non-patient interactions, providing a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare setting.

Eligibility for the Mayo Clinic CARES Program

To be eligible for the Mayo Clinic CARES Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Be between 15 and 18 years old as of May 1, 2025.
• Enrollment Status: Not yet be enrolled in college.
• Time Commitment: Commit to weekly four-hour shifts during regular business hours (Monday to Friday) throughout the entire eight-week program, from June 2 to July 25, 2025. This includes one additional 4-hour Simulation Learning Skills Lab. The total commitment is 36 volunteer hours over the summer, with a maximum of 12 hours per week.
• Program Duration: Commit to the full eight weeks of service, from June 2 to July 25, 2025.
• Interview Availability: Be available to attend a mandatory virtual interview (date to be determined).
• Orientation Attendance: Be able to attend a mandatory in-person orientation session (date to be determined).

Mayo Clinic CARES Program Application Requirements

To apply for the Mayo Clinic CARES Program, students need to fulfill these requirements:

1. Mandatory Attendance and Program Requirements: Commit to attending all mandatory dates and meeting all program requirements as outlined.
2. Application Documents: Complete all required application documents thoroughly and accurately.
3. Vaccination Records: Provide up-to-date vaccination records, including:
   • COVID-19 vaccine (if available).
   • Influenza vaccine (if available).
   • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
   • Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine.
4. Tuberculosis Screening: Complete a blood test for tuberculosis screening, which will be provided by Mayo Clinic at no cost to the volunteer.

Steps to Join the Mayo Clinic CARES Program

Follow these steps to become a volunteer in the Mayo Clinic CARES Program:

1. Attend a Mandatory Virtual Information Session: Prospective high school applicants and at least one parent or guardian are required to attend a mandatory virtual information session to learn more about the Mayo Clinic CARES Program. Reservations are necessary to secure your spot.

   • Choose one of the following sessions:
     • Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
     • Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

   Space is limited to 30 participants per session. Register in advance through our SignUpGenius page.

2. Complete the Volunteer Application Form: The application form for the Mayo Clinic CARES Program will be accessible only after attending an information session. Please keep the following points in mind:

   • You must have a regularly checked email account for communication.
   • Completed applications for the 2025 High School Student Summer Volunteer Program must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2025. Detailed submission instructions will be provided during the information session.
   • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
   • Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

3. Participate in a Virtual Interview: If your application is favorably reviewed, you will receive an email invitation to a virtual interview. This interview provides an opportunity to learn more about the Mayo Clinic CARES Program and discuss the next steps in the process.

4. Undergo a Health Screening: Mayo Clinic mandates that all volunteers undergo a health screening. This includes:

   • Providing current vaccination records (including COVID-19 and influenza if available).
   • Completing a tuberculosis screening blood test, provided by Mayo Clinic.

5. Complete Volunteer Onboarding: Upon acceptance into the Mayo Clinic CARES Program, you will be required to attend an in-person orientation. Following orientation, attendance at a mandatory service area training session at either the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale campus or the Mayo Clinic Phoenix campus in Arizona is required. All volunteers must agree to adhere to Mayo Clinic’s standards of conduct.

6. Attend Service Area Training Post-Orientation: After the general orientation, all students must participate in an in-person service area training session at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, at either the Scottsdale or Phoenix campus, to prepare for their specific volunteer roles within the Mayo Clinic CARES Program.

Verification of Volunteer Hours

Upon successful completion of the Mayo Clinic CARES Program, you will receive an official report verifying your total volunteer hours, the program duration, and your service area within Mayo Clinic. This documentation can be valuable for college applications and future endeavors.

For further inquiries about the Mayo Clinic CARES Program, please contact Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services.

Contact Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services.