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High School Volunteer Opportunities
SickKids offers two dynamic programs tailored for high school students eager to make a difference. These initiatives provide a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to our community in meaningful ways.
Note: if you don't see any opportunities posted for these programs, please refer to the application timelines for the next intake.
Placement opportunities
Hospital Support
Assist in services that support the patient and family experience, such as the Family Centre, Gift Shop or Play Park and help create a warm and inviting atmosphere at SickKids.
Child Life
Engage in play activities, provide caregiver respite and assist the Child Life team in maintaining a safe and well-stocked playroom on inpatient units, day treatment areas and in recreational spaces.
Note: individuals in Child Life roles should be comfortable wearing Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., gown, gloves, masks, N95 respirators) as many placements require entering isolation rooms.
Required commitment
A three-hour morning or afternoon shift, Monday through Friday, for July or August.
Due to the program's intensive nature, we are unable to accommodate absences and encourage you to consider any conflicts that may impact your ability to participate, including jobs, courses, vacations or other activities before you apply. The dedication of our volunteers is invaluable, and we appreciate your understanding of our commitment to reliability in our volunteer programs.
Session dates and application timeline
| Session Dates | Application Month |
| July 2 - 31 | March |
| August 1 - 31 | March |
Here's what you'll need
To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Be 16 years of age or older by the first day of the program.
- Be enrolled in high school.
- Commit to the month of July or August, five days a week (Monday – Friday), for three hours every morning or afternoon.
- Attend the orientation date indicated on the posting.
- Be willing to complete the onboarding requirements, some of which have associated costs that are your responsibility.
Is volunteering at SickKids in the High School Summer Volunteer Program a good fit for you?
Ask yourself these questions to find out!
Testimonials
Sana, High School Volunteer
Volunteering at the gift shop at SickKids has been an absolute joy! I adore watching the kids’ eyes light up when they pick out their favorite toy or trinket—it's like spreading a bit of magic with every smile. What makes it even more special is the warm, supportive community of staff and volunteers who share a common goal: making a challenging time a bit easier for these brave kids and their families.
Justin, High School Volunteer
I was drawn to volunteering at SickKids because I liked the idea of working at a hospital environment where I could lift the moods of children going through hard times. Volunteering at SickKids changed my life because seeing the resilience of the patients and staff gave me a more positive outlook on life. Seeing them overcome their struggles motivated me to work harder towards my own goals.
FAQs
If you’re chosen for the program, we’ll find the best volunteer match for you. Your placement is determined by our assessment of your application, availability and what we learn from your interview.
As long as you’re 16 years old by the program’s start date, you’re good to go. If your birthday is in July you can apply for August, and if your birthday is in August, we’ll be excited to see your application next summer.
Yes! After your month of service, we’ll happily verify your hours. Just remember, our program’s aim goes beyond just ticking off those required hours, so we encourage you to explore other opportunities if that’s your main goal.
Yes, our High School Volunteer Program is popular, with around 400 applicants vying for 50 summer spots. But don’t let that discourage you—your unique skills and passion are what we’re looking for!
High School Co-op Program
This program offers Grades 11 and 12 students from semester schools the opportunity to delve into health-care, research or hospital careers through immersive, hands-on experience in various departments across the Hospital and Research Institute. Students earn academic credit while participating in placements that may be administrative, patient-facing, or research-based roles.
Placement opportunities
High School Co-op placements typically fall into one of three broad categories: Administrative, Patient-facing, or Research. You will have the opportunity to express your interest in the type of placement(s) you wish to be considered for when you apply. While we make efforts to align placements to your interests and career aspirations, the matching process is complex, and preferences cannot be guaranteed.
Administrative
Assist with clerical tasks in outpatient clinics, in-patient units, or office settings. Student responsibilities are varied and unique to each placement but provide students with a foundational understanding of the hospital environment and the administrative operations necessary to support staff, patients, and families.
Patient-facing
Engage with patients and families in a clinical or auxiliary setting. Students are responsible for creating a welcoming environment, supporting positive interactions with patients and families, and assisting staff with clerical tasks.
Note: individuals in patient-facing roles should be comfortable wearing Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., gown, gloves, masks, N95 respirators) as some placements require entering isolation rooms.
Research
Support clinical or lab-based research initiatives and work alongside research staff to learn more about specific studies or overall research operations. Student responsibilities will vary based on the type of research.
Required commitment
This program follows a semester-based schedule, with placements offered for Semester 1 (September-January) and Semester 2 (February- June). All placements follow a five day-a-week (Monday-Friday) schedule, apart from in-school days, statutory holidays, and PA days. We offer 2-credit (half day, morning or afternoon) and 4-credit (full day) placements.
We cannot accommodate term-based schedules, summer (July-August), or remote/hybrid co-op placements.
Application Timeline
Applications will be accepted from May 14 to 30 for both Semester 1 and 2 of the 2025-2026 academic year from students across all Toronto and GTA schoolboards.
A complete application must contain the following:
- Completed High School Co-op Program Application Form (PDF)
- Two completed Teacher Recommendation Forms (PDF)
- Resume
- Credit counselling summary and attendance profile
Applications for both semesters must be submitted by the co-operative education teacher on behalf of the student during this period. Late applications or applications submitted directly by a student will not be eligible for consideration.
To submit a completed application or for any questions related to this program, please email highschool.coop@sickkids.ca.
Here’s what you’ll need
To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Be 16 years of age by the first day of the placement and in Grade 11 or 12.
- Be enrolled in a co-operative education program at an Ontario high school, and follow a semester school schedule.
- Be available to attend an interview in June.
- Attend orientation at the start of the semester.
- Be able to come on-site to SickKids campus every day of the placement.
- Be willing to complete the onboarding requirements, some of which have associated costs that are your responsibility.
- Be comfortable interacting with patients, families, and staff of all ages and backgrounds.
- Be willing to learn and make a positive contribution through this placement opportunity.
FAQs
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer placements that follow a term-based calendar.
No, we recommend waiting to start the onboarding requirements until you have been formally offered a placement. If you are offered a placement, you will be provided with the paperwork required for onboarding and sufficient time to complete it.
No, all high school co-op placement opportunities are offered through a central program that matches students to available placements. Self-sourced co-op placements are not permitted.
Recruitment for all placements takes place in May and June each year. Should additional opportunities become available closer to the start of a semester, we will share this update on the website.