Al and Trudy Agress Summer Health Corps
2023 Agress Summer Health Corps Program
NOTE: Applications for the 2023 Summer Health Corps will be open December 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023.
Agress Summer Health Corps Program is an educational hands-on program that provides high school students 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. 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 who are at various stages of their careers. All participants will receive a meal card. Free parking is available, however we are not able to provide reimbursement for MBTA, rideshare trips, or gas.
Program Dates
The program will start with a mandatory orientation on Tuesday, July 5 and will end with a closing banquet on Thursday, August 11. Volunteers will have Fridays off. Accepted applicants must commit to participate for the entire program.
Program Times
Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (with an hour-long break for lunch)
How To Apply
The application will be open December 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023. We receive more than 100 applications each December for approximately 30 spots, and cannot accept late applications.
Eligibility
Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply. Previous participants may not apply. All applicants must provide two references (one of the references must be a guidance counselor, academic advisor, or teacher) and have an interview.
All accepted candidates must submit proof of immunizations, including COVID-19 and booster.
What Do We Look For in an Applicant?
All applicants are given the same consideration and undergo the same screening process: application, references, and an interview. When assessing applications, we first narrow the field to complete and accurate applications that offer a glimpse of the student's personality and highlight what qualities the student would bring to the patient experience. 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 aim at recruiting high school students from Massachusetts, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, into the healthcare industry.
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.