Teens Learning in the Community (TLC) - St. Louis
- Home
- Locations
- St. Louis Volunteer Services
- Teens Learning in the Community (TLC)
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 healthcare workers 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 may possibly tour hospital facilities, such as the Virtual Care Center (VCC) and the 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 different departments, allowing them to build skills and gain real world experience.
Program Schedule
The TLC program runs from June 9 through July 30 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 9, 11 and 16. 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 30.
Application & Onboarding Requirements
Students should submit the following materials by February 9th, 2026
- TLC application
- Questionnaire
- Letter of recommendation from teacher or other school mentor
- Minor Consent Forms (for ages 16-17)
- Consent Forms (for ages 18)
Applications should be completed by students, not a parent or guardian.
Our onboarding process requires all students need to complete background checks for both minors and those 18 years of age and conduct online and in-person health screenings with Coworker Health.
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
For those accepted into the TLC summer volunteer program, further instructions will be provided via email by our HR Preboarding Specialist regarding next steps to your onboarding process.
This onboarding process is typical for health care volunteers and co-workers. Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years old.
Alternate TLC Program
The TLC program on Tuesdays and Thursdays only accepts 40 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.