United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Voluntary Service

Student Volunteer Program

Student volunteers are an important part of the VA medical centers' treatment team. They will receive valuable experience and training which will benefit them in applying for college and jobs. The James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award provides scholarship opportunities to students who volunteer at VA medical centers (your local VA health care Voluntary Service staff has current nomination criteria). Student volunteers are liaisons with their communities and provide a valuable element of caring for veterans. The VA Voluntary Service program offers students excellent opportunities for:

  • exploring health care career options;
  • gaining experience in a health care environment;
  • learning new skills; making new friends;
  • qualifying to be nominated for James H. Parke Memorial college scholarships

Student volunteer with patient during Pet Therapy program.

There are many opportunities to explore in the Student Volunteer Program. Here are just a few of the services and specialties available to student volunteers:

Audiology and Speech Pathology Outpatient/Ambulatory Care Activities
Extended Care Occupational Therapy
Information Technology Patient Escort
Laboratory Medicine Pharmacy
Medical Administration Physical Therapy
Medical Illustration Research
Nursing Social Work
Nutrition and Food Service


A wide variety of assignments are available. Volunteers are selected according to the needs of the medical center, assignment preference and skills. Training is provided by Voluntary Service at each medical facility and the supervisor of the department to which volunteers are assigned. Orientation will be conducted to acquaint you with services available at the medical center where you serve.

Student assisting with patient gardening program.

There are also scholarship opportunities through VAVS and veterans service organizations. One scholarship is the James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship.

How do I become a VA student volunteer? You have two convenient ways:

1) Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for Voluntary Service. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VAVS Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment! Locate the VA facility nearest you.

2) Go to Volunteer or Donate, fill out and submit the form. Someone from the local VAVS office will contact you with further information.