High School Program
Dear Students
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in Torrance Memorial's volunteer program. Before you apply to our program, we ask you to take a look at the information below to see if we are compatible with your interests and availability. We are looking for students who have good interpersonal skills, are reliable, and have a great work ethic. Our High School Volunteer Program is 13-months long and requires consistent attendance. If you already have a full schedule, plan to travel during much of your summer break, or are going into a semester that will be highly demanding of your time, this may not be the right time to apply.
As you will see, a hospital volunteer program has many requirements but also offers many rewards. Torrance Memorial's volunteer program will engage you in high acts of service, acquaint you with a hospital setting, and will definitely keep you BUSY. If you can meet our requirements, have availability in your schedule after taking care of your academic and extra-curricular responsibilities, and are willing to challenge yourself, then the High School Volunteer Program at Torrance Memorial may be right for you! If you choose to apply, we look forward to reviewing your pre-application.
Thank You,
Torrance Memorial Volunteer Services Team
Program Overview
Torrance Memorial High School Volunteer Program is for students at least 14 years of age and in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at the time of orientation. The High School Volunteer Program requires a commitment to volunteering for a full 13 months of service. The last opportunity for a high school student to apply to the program is for the Spring orientation of their 11th-grade year (usually held in February or March). We do not accept applications from students in 12th grade.
High School students volunteer in our Escort Services department where they assist with various patient and staff errands throughout the hospital. These errands include but are not limited to:
- Transporting patients by wheelchair
- Making deliveries to patients
- Delivering lab specimens, medical charts & supplies around the hospital
Please note: Due to high demand and in fairness to all families, only one child per household may serve in our program at a time.
High School Volunteer Program Info Sheet
Application Process
Spring 2026 Orientation
Pre-Application Process
- Pre-Application available: HOLD for date
- Pre-Application deadline: HOLD for date
(LINK to be provided here)
Student and Parent/Guardian Information Meeting (by invitation only):
HOLD for dates
Student Orientation (by invitation only):
HOLD for dates
Fall 2025 Orientation
Pre-Application Process
- Pre-Application available: Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 am
- Pre-Application deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:00pm
The Fall Pre-APPLICATION is CLOSED.
High School Student Fall applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before (HOLD for date)
Student and Parent/Guardian Information Meeting (by invitation only):
September 25 or 30, 2025 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Student Orientation (by invitation only):
October 7 and 9, 2025 at 5:00pm to 7:30pm
Please Note: We do not offer summer, short-term, episodic, hands-on patient care, shadowing or observation opportunities through the High School Student Volunteer Program at Torrance Memorial.
General Requirements
- Between the ages of 14-18 and enrolled in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
- Complete and submit a pre-application online. (Dates the applications are available online will be announced on our website).
- Attend Student & Parent Information Meeting (by invitation only).
- Attend both mandatory orientation days (by invitation only).
- Maintain good attendance.
- Volunteer will provide a white top, white pants, white shoes (comfortable/walking shoes) with non-skid soles, and white shoelaces. Blue uniform jacket and ID badge will be provided by Torrance Memorial.
- Able to perform Escort Services errands such as pushing a patient in a wheelchair, delivering flowers, transporting lab specimens, delivering charts, and other various tasks.
- Provide friendly and attentive service to patients, visitors, and staff.
Shift Options
We have weekly shifts and bi-weekly shifts, which equal the same number of hours during the 13 months of service. High School volunteer shifts are assigned according to the needs of the hospital and will be scheduled according to the following:
Weekday Shift
- Student will be assigned one two-hour shift weekly Monday-Friday.
- Weekday shifts are scheduled from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
- The student will report for service on the same day each week.
- (Example: “Molly reports for service every Monday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm for 13 months")
Bi-Weekly
- Student will be assigned one four-hour shift on alternating weekends
- Weekend shifts are scheduled from 9:00am - 1:00pm or 1:00pm - 5:00pm
- (Example: Sam reports for service every other Sunday from 9:00am - 1:00pm)
Attendance Policy
Please read carefully. Students who are unable to adhere to the following need not apply.
In order to provide excellent care and service to our patients and their families, it is imperative that our volunteers maintain consistent attendance. We know that absences will occur due to illness, family matters, and holidays. However, our program is not able to accommodate absences greater than 4 consecutive weeks.
Details on absence reporting for planned and unplanned absences will be given to you if you are accepted into the program.
For Parents & Guardians
We are excited about your student’s interest in our program! We know that your support is imperative to your student’s success so we would like to say “thank you” in advance! We welcome parental involvement and will always include you in important informational communications with our high school volunteers. We prefer to communicate directly with our student volunteers as a matter of routine. One of the main ways that you can help is to remind your student to check their email frequently, as that is our primary mode of communicating with students. We appreciate your trust in us and will take very good care of your child during their time with us.
TB Screening, Flu Shots and Respiratory Season Requirements:
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: Healthcare personnel (volunteers, employees and physicians) are required to have an annual TB screening. Torrance Memorial will provide your child with a TB screening/X-ray free of charge, if needed.
Flu Vaccine: To protect patients from the flu, healthcare personnel are required to obtain a flu vaccine prior to the respiratory season (November 1 – March 31). Masking is required during direct patient encounters and in all patient areas. Subject to change and is dependent on current Department of Public Health guidelines.
FAQs
Please note, the information below does not apply to student volunteers who become ill or have unforeseen emergency on the same day of service.
What if I usually take extended trips or vacations for the summer?
The Torrance Memorial High School volunteer program can accommodate no more than 4 weeks of consecutive absences. (Please note that absences are based on weeks and not number of shifts.) If you typically take trips for much of the summer, we ask that you either shorten your trip or kindly search for a different organization to donate your volunteer service.
What if I already have a trip planned for more than 4 consecutive weeks?
We ask that you enjoy your trip and apply to our program when you are able to uphold our attendance policy. Torrance Memorial is unable to accommodate more than 4 weeks of consecutive absences.
How much advance notice do I need to give you if I am sick or before going on a trip?
Please inform our office of vacation dates as soon as they are confirmed and no later than 1 week prior to your absence.
If you are ill or have a family emergency there is a process for notifying our office and your program area. Details on how to report same day absences will be provided to you if you are accepted into our program.
What if my after-school activities conflict with my volunteer schedule?
Please schedule your volunteer shift around your planned school and after-school activities to avoid a schedule conflict, where possible.
We may be able to provide a temporary shift change. This is determined on a case by case basis.
Can I volunteer short term (less than 13 months) or just during summer?
Torrance Memorial does not offer summer, short term, episodic, hands-on patient care, shadowing or observation opportunities through the High School volunteer program.
