1. MyMercy Account
First Available Scheduling

Teens Learning in the Community (TLC) - St. Louis

Find a Provider

Teen Hospital Volunteer Program

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is excited to offer Teens Learning in the Community (TLC), a summer volunteer program for students (16 years and up) who are interested in a career in medicine. The TLC program offers students a look into a variety of health care roles and hospital departments while fostering a commitment to service. Students will leave the program with a strong sense of what it's like to work on a team and be an effective leader.

If you have any questions about the TLC program not answered below, please call 314-251-6180.

About the TLC Program

Throughout the TLC program, students will interact with nurses, technicians, doctors and therapists. Students will also get a sense of non-clinical positions, such as nutrition, patient transport, environmental services, administration and clerical. This broad exposure will help them learn how hospitals serve patients.

Each day students will be attend a "lunch and learn" lecture. During these lectures, guest speakers will share valuable information about their roles and experience. They'll also offer helpful advice on how to pursue a medical career. Students will tour hospital facilities, such as the Virtual Care Center (VCC) and the new proton therapy wing in the Mercy David C. Pratt Cancer Center, to see how medical technology and equipment can help save lives.

Student volunteers will spend each day helping Mercy staff care for patients and visitors. Every student will have the opportunity to experience many different parts of the hospital. Roles could include working with children, delivering mail to patients, helping visitors get around or simply talking to patients. Volunteers will rotate through four different departments, allowing them to build skills and gain real world experience.

Program Schedule

The TLC program runs from June 10 through July 31 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Volunteer shifts run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

There will be one planned break during the week of July 4.

Yes. Orientation occurs over the course of three days. All volunteers must attend orientation on June 10, 12 and 17. No exceptions can be made for these three dates.

Students are allowed two absences during the program not including the July 4 break.

The last day of the program will be July 31.

Application & Onboarding Requirements

Students should submit the following materials by February 14, 2025:

  • TLC application
  • Questionnaire
  • Letter of recommendation from teacher or other school mentor

Applications should be completed by students, not a parent or guardian.

Accepted volunteers will be required to complete a health screening at Mercy Hospital St. Louis. This screening will include:

  • Immunization history
  • Tuberculosis test
  • Urine drug screen

This onboarding process is typical for health care volunteers and co-workers. If applicants are over the age of 18, they'll also need to complete two separate background screenings. 

Alternate TLC Program

The TLC program on Tuesdays and Thursdays only accepts 50 students, and we always have more applicants than we have spots. However, we do offer an alternate program similar to the TLC program.

This alternate program offers students an opportunity to volunteer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in two different departments. Lunch and learn lectures aren't included in the alternate program.

College Students

College students interested in participating in the TLC program as a counselor should call our office at 314-251-6180 for more information. 

Volunteer Programs and Resources