SMILE Cart High School Volunteer Program

The MarinHealth SMILE Cart High School Volunteer Program (Students Making Illness a Little Easier) is a year-long hospital volunteer program for high school students at MarinHealth Medical Center in Marin County, California. It is aimed at teens who are seriously considering a career in medicine. The program has only ten spots in total, so admission is highly competitive. Accepted volunteers commit to a full year and work one permanent two-hour shift each week, on a weekday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. MarinHealth asks all volunteers to complete at least 100 hours of service.

Applicants must be high school students at least 16 years old. Must commit to one year with a permanent 2-hour weekly shift (Monday-Friday, 3-5 pm) and at least 100 volunteer hours. Before starting, volunteers must pass a health clearance that includes a tuberculosis test, a seasonal flu vaccine, and proof of immunity to chicken pox, rubella, measles, and mumps. Selection is based on the application, availability that fits open shifts, commitment level, accountability and communication skills, and education and career interests. Openings are very limited, applicants may be placed on a wait-list, and submitting an application does not guarantee a spot. MarinHealth says the best time to apply is between January and March each year. Questions can be sent to the hospital's Volunteer Services office by email.