LEWISTOWN — For teens who are curious about health care — or just want a summer experience that’s more meaningful than scrolling TikTok — Geisinger is opening the door to the hospital world in a big way.

Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital and other Geisinger facilities, including Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes Barre, are accepting applications for the 2026 Junior Volunteer Program, a six-week summer experience that blends hands-on service with a behind-the-scenes look at dozens of health care careers.

Applications are being accepted through Friday.

The program is open to high school students ages 15 to 18, and for many, it’s their first real chance to step inside a hospital not as a patient — but as part of the team.

“This program gives students a chance to explore health care in a way that’s interactive, supportive and genuinely fun,” Geisinger officials said in a press release. “It’s a great way to discover what sparks their interest.”

A summer with purpose

Junior volunteers commit to 40 hours of service and 15 hours of educational programming over the six-week session. That means students aren’t just shadowing — they’re helping.

Volunteers assist in a variety of departments, from patient support areas to behind-the-scenes operations that keep a hospital running smoothly. Along the way, they meet nurses, physicians, therapists, lab techs, dietitians, pharmacists and countless other professionals who share what their jobs are really like.

Educational sessions round out the experience, giving students a chance to explore everything from emergency medicine to radiology to physical therapy. It’s a sampler platter of the modern health care world — and for many teens, it’s the moment when a vague interest becomes a clear career path.

Leadership opportunities for returning students

Students who return for a second or third year can apply to become volunteer program leaders, a role that comes with extra responsibility and a closer look at hospital operations. Leaders help guide new volunteers, assist staff and gain early leadership experience that looks great on college and scholarship applications.

A program that builds the future workforce

For Geisinger, the Junior Volunteer Program is more than a summer activity — it’s a long-term investment in the region’s future workforce. Health care systems across the country are working to attract the next generation of nurses, technicians and support staff, and programs like this help teens see themselves in those roles early.

It also gives students a chance to build confidence, communication skills and a sense of purpose — qualities that carry far beyond the hospital walls.

With its mix of service, learning and real-world exposure, Geisinger’s Junior Volunteer Program continues to be one of the region’s most engaging summer opportunities — and a meaningful first step for teens considering a future in health care.

How to apply

Students can find the application, key dates and program details at geisinger.org/juniorvolunteer.

Applicants must complete an online form, submit references, write a short essay, participate in an interview and attend orientation if selected. Participants must attend at least five of the six program weeks.

For more information, email volunteers@geisinger.edu or call (570) 214-6021.