Junior volunteer and internship programs promote local careers in health care

HONOLULU — After successfully completing its inaugural Junior Volunteer and High School Summer Youth Employment Programs, Kaiser Permanente will be accepting applications for future volunteer opportunities. In addition to volunteer opportunities at the Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, the program will expand to include opportunities at Kaiser Permanente’s Maui Lani and Wailuku clinics. The Junior Volunteer Program is designed to introduce local high school students to rewarding careers in the health care field. These programs provide students with hands-on experience, mentorship and opportunities to explore diverse career pathways.

The Junior Volunteer Program exposes students to a variety of health care roles, including nursing, diagnostic imaging, information technology, medicine, digital marketing and media, and clinic administration. Students typically commit to volunteering three to four hours each week (total commitment is 60 hours) assisting with tasks such as sharing refreshments with new mothers, working alongside the pet therapy team, and observing clinicians and providers.

“Hawaii has a shortfall of around 4,000 health care workers, which affects all our residents, especially those in rural areas and those who may not be receiving adequate care,” said Mabel Olivera, operations manager at Kaiser Permanente. “This volunteer program is one solution of many helping to prepare the next generation of homegrown health care professionals.”

Following the volunteer program, select students will be invited to participate in the High School Summer Youth Employment Program, a six- to eight-week paid internship offering deeper involvement in health care. Interns will gain exposure to nonclinical and allied health professions, health care operations, and leadership training. They will also have the opportunity to work on community awareness projects, where they will research health care disparities and propose solutions to improve care and access in their communities.

“Working at Kaiser has given me hands-on experience interacting with patients, exposed me to diverse perspectives, which I’m very grateful for, and taught me things I wouldn’t have learned outside of volunteering,” said Tracy Do-Huynh, a recent Roosevelt High School graduate now attending University of Hawaii at Manoa, who participated in both programs.

With thousands of health care worker vacancies statewide, programs like Kaiser Permanente’s volunteer and internship initiatives are crucial. By offering practical experience and fostering a sense of responsibility, these programs inspire students to pursue careers that improve health care access and outcomes in Hawaii.

To learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s Volunteer and High School Summer Youth Employment Programs, visit Volunteer Opportunities in Hawaii or view this Volunteer and High School Summer Youth Employment Programs video (download). Applications are due on or before March 15, 2025.