Orlando VA Healthcare System Opens Applications for Junior Volunteer Summer Program

This highly rewarding program is open to students aged 14 to 17 and provides hands-on experience in a healthcare environment while fostering a spirit of service and community engagement.

“Our Junior Volunteer Summer Program is not just about giving back; it’s about creating an enriching experience for both our volunteers and the Veterans they serve,” said Cristina Mercado Acevedo, Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE). “We take great pride in a program that is as valuable to students as it is to our Veterans, their families, visitors, caregivers, and staff.”

Program Overview:

The Junior Volunteer Program offers a variety of service opportunities that are educational and fun, all designed to enhance the healthcare experience for Veterans. Applicants should have an interest in or experience working with healthcare professionals and Veterans. Consideration is given to the maturity of the applicant and their ability to interact confidently with the public, staff, and patients.

Students must be willing to commit at least 100 hours of volunteer time. Those unable to meet that requirement may inquire about occasional volunteer opportunities. Multiple behavior issues may result in immediate dismissal from the program, so applicants must be prepared to follow directions and cooperate at all times.

Program Dates:

The program will run from June 2, 2025, through August 8, 2025. Students wishing to continue volunteering after the program ends may coordinate with their site Specialist.

How to Apply:

New Junior Volunteers must complete the online interest form to receive the official application. Applications will be accepted starting April 21, 2025, until capacity is reached. Early submissions will not be considered.

Application Steps:

• Visit: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/volunteer_at_facility/
• Use the spyglass icon to search for your state: Florida
• Use the spyglass again to search for your facility: Orlando, Daytona, Lake Baldwin, or Viera

Important Dates:

• April 21, 2025:
• CDCE , start accepting applications until we reach capacity.
• For Online Potential Junior Volunteer application will be first come, first serve reviewed until we reach capacity.  Once completed, Potential Volunteer will receive an email with confirmation to complete the onboarding process.
• April 21–25, 2025: If you were selected, the Junior Volunteers need to select a date to complete the onboarding process, which includes the following components:
• Complete application
• Enrollment
• TB Test

Virtual Orientation Class Schedule (Mandatory) for ALL Students and a Parent/Guardian:

Participants must select one of the following dates to attend a required orientation:

• Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Returning Junior Volunteers:

All returning Junior Volunteers must contact their respective site to inquire about reactivation.

Program Policies:

• Junior Volunteers will not be assigned to the service area in which their parent or guardian works. No exceptions will be made.
• Orientation is mandatory before the program begins.
• Applicants should regularly monitor their email for updates on onboarding, orientation, and training.

Participating Sites & Contacts:

• Lake Nona: Michelle Ortiz Ortiz – michelle.ortizortiz@va.gov; Benjamin Lopez Jr. – benjamin.lopez1@va.gov
• Daytona: Tony Viana – tony.viana@va.gov; Lianne Burgos Pereira – lianne.burgospereira@va.gov
• Viera: Marizza Moreno-Benton – marizza.moreno-benton@va.gov
• Lake Baldwin: Francis “Jonathan” Resto Ortiz – francis.resto-ortiz@va.gov

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Their interest, caring, and commitment are greatly appreciated and noticed by all. We encourage eligible students to apply and become part of this impactful program.

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About the Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network. offering health care services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.

To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs 
Orlando VA Health Care System 
407-840-6967 I vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov