Hospital Volunteer Programs

College Program (For ALL Undergraduates; Multiple Sites)

(Graduate students may apply to this or any of the below applications.)

We are not currently accepting applications for the College Program.

For individuals currently enrolled in coursework and who will be consistently available (at least a 6 month commitment), there are a variety of opportunities at our main hospital and outpatient locations, as well as different shift days/times.

Undergraduate students: Please complete the application for the college program only. Any additional applications will not be accepted. This is the only application for undergraduate students at this time.

Weekday Program (Main Hospital Location Only)

For individuals who have availability to volunteer during a three-hour shift, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m., there are numerous opportunities at the main hospital. Must be 18+ years old and not currently in high school or an undergraduate to apply. 

ParentWISE and PeerWISE Program (PRIMARILY VIRTUAL)

For Patients And Families With Medical Experiences

Volunteering opportunity for parents, caregivers and patients who have navigated specialized care or treatment and want to support others on a similar path. You will connect one-on-one with patients and families with shared medical experiences, offering connection, support and empowerment. Connections primarily take place virtually from your home, based on your availability. For some medical experience areas, we are able to offer limited onsite opportunities.

NOTE: This role differs from other onsite hospital volunteering as it is grounded in lived experience, and your commitment takes place on your own time, not during set shift times.

Almost Home Kids (Chicago Location)

Almost Home Kids provides a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. For individuals who have the ability to volunteer during a two-hour shift Monday-Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. –7 p.m. Must be 18+ years old to apply.

Almost Home Kids (Naperville Location)

Almost Home Kids provides a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. For individuals who have the ability to volunteer during a two-hour shift Monday-Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. –7 p.m. Must be 18+ years old to apply.

Evening Program (Main Hospital Location Only)

For individuals who have availability to volunteer during a two or three-hour shift, Monday-Thursday, between the hours of 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., there is limited availability only at the main hospital.

Weekend Program (Main Hospital Location Only)

For individuals who only have availability to volunteer during a three-hour shift on Saturday or Sunday, there are opportunities at the main hospital.

Volunteers for Schaumburg Outpatient Center Program

For individuals who have availability to volunteer during a three-hour shift, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Must be 18+ years old and not currently in high school or an undergraduate to apply.

Volunteers for Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park

Volunteers will provide play and engagement opportunities in the clinic waiting rooms.

Summer-Only

The 2026 Summer Intensive Program application period is now closed. We received hundreds more applications than the number of spots we have in the program, so we will not be creating a waitlist or allowing late submissions. If interested in applying for next summer’s program, please check back here in March 2027 for details.

We are pleased to offer a learn-and-serve opportunity for first-time applicants to our summer program. 

Technology & Gaming Volunteer

We're currently not accepting applications for the Technology & Gaming Volunteer Program. Check back for more information on future opportunities.

We are looking for people who love games and tech and want to work with a pediatric population. Volunteers will help upkeep numerous tech items in the hospital while also providing beside support and socialization through gaming.