Agress Summer Health Corps

Agress Summer Health Corps Program

Applications for the 2026 Program Will Be Open Only from December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026

The Agress Summer Health Corps Program is an educational opportunity for high school students to volunteer in a hospital environment while building meaningful connections with peers. Each participant is assigned to one hospital department or unit for the duration of the program, where they will gain exposure to the daily operations of a healthcare setting. Participants will come together for lunch, hospital tours, and panel presentations designed to introduce them to a variety of health disciplines and provide opportunities to engage with BIDMC clinicians at different stages of their careers. All participants will receive a meal card to cover lunch expenses. Free parking is available; however, we are unable to offer reimbursement for MBTA fares, rideshare services, or gas. Please note that this is a daytime program and housing is not provided.

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Program Dates & Times

The Agress Summer Health Corps Program will run from July 7 to August 13, 2026, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each day.

Accepted students are expected to attend every scheduled day and fully commit to the program without scheduling conflicts — this includes not participating in other programs, jobs, or commitments during program hours.

Application Process

The application will be open from December 15 to January 15.

Late submissions will not be accepted — no exceptions. Be sure to plan ahead and submit all required materials within the application window.

  • Complete an application form.
  • Provide two references:
    • One reference must be from a guidance counselor, academic advisor, or teacher.
    • We kindly ask that you do not list family members as references.
  • Participate in an interview.

Eligibility

Residency

  • Applicants must be Massachusetts residents.
  • Out-of-state and international applicants, or those planning to move to Massachusetts for the program, are not eligible.

Grade Level

  • Open to students who are over the age of 15 and are currently in 10th or 11th grade at the time of application (i.e., students entering 11th or 12th grade).

Previous Participation

  • Previous applicants who were not accepted and still meet all other criteria are welcome to reapply.
  • Past participants of the Agress Summer Health Corps Program are not eligible to apply again.

Health Requirements (for accepted candidates)

  • Must submit proof of immunizations, including:
    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
    • Varicella (chickenpox)
    • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
    • Hepatitis B
  • Must complete a TB test prior to the start of the program.

Responsibilities

Accepted students will serve as volunteers, providing valuable support to their assigned department or unit based on the needs of patients and staff. Their responsibilities may include restocking supplies, answering phones, assisting with patient transport or wayfinding, helping with clerical tasks such as filing or data entry, delivering supplies within the unit. Volunteers are expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, compassion, and resourcefulness. Strong communication skills are essential, as students will engage respectfully and empathetically with a diverse range of patients and healthcare professionals, always maintaining maturity and professionalism.

What Do We Look for in an Applicant?

We are seeking students who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and genuinely interested in contributing to a hospital environment through volunteer service. This is a volunteering opportunity, not an internship or shadowing program. Volunteers will not participate in clinical training or observe medical procedures, but will provide meaningful, non-clinical support to staff, patients, and hospital departments.

We value applicants who:

  • Submit a complete and thoughtful application that reflects their personality, interests, and motivation to join the BIDMC community.
  • Are flexible and open-minded, willing to serve wherever they are assigned, and ready to support the hospital in a variety of ways.
  • Demonstrate maturity, independence, and responsibility, including managing their own schedules and communicating on their own behalf (by phone, email, or in person).
  • Are team-oriented, respectful, and compassionate, and can engage with diverse patients and professionals in a hospital setting.

All applicants go through the same screening process. We do not give preference to relatives of BIDMC staff or physicians, and we do not discuss application status, interviews, or placement decisions with anyone other than the applicant.

Given the high number of applications we receive, our goal is to select a diverse and dedicated group of volunteers who will make the most of this unique opportunity. We especially encourage applications from students who may not otherwise have access to experiences in a world-class academic medical center.

Group of students gathered for a photo
2024 Agress Summer Health Corps

26 Massachusetts high schoolers participated in the Agress Summer Health Corps Summer 2024, gaining work experience in a healthcare setting and learning about healthcare professions.