If you’re a high school student, aged 15-18, interested in an exciting and challenging volunteer role and gaining experience in a healthcare environment, we invite you to apply!
If you’re a high school student, aged 15 to 18, interested in an exciting and challenging volunteer role and gaining experience in a healthcare environment, we invite you to apply! General applications are now closed for Fall 2026 intake.
Please sign up for our email list if you would like to be notified when applications open for the 2027-28 cycle.
Please ensure you are available for at least one of the offered shifts at your selected site(s).
Check volunteer shift schedules by site.
Each year we receive a large number of applications for the Step Up Youth program. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. To ensure a fair selection process, we evaluate all applications based on several criteria including the quality of written responses, high school graduation year, application submission date, and interest in pursuing a healthcare-related career.
To be eligible for this year’s program, volunteers must be at least 15 years old by September 1. If you do not meet this minimum age requirement, please wait to apply until you are eligible.
We will contact successful applicants by email to schedule interviews after May 15, 2026. Interviews will take place in early June and July.
Island Health is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Step Up Youth Scholarships are now open. These scholarships aim to empower and foster the growth of youth who aspire to continue their journey towards making a positive impact in healthcare.
This award cycle will be available to Step Up Youth volunteers who participated in the Fall 2025 through Spring 2026 program year and are moving on to healthcare related post-secondary education. This scholarship is designed to recognize the exceptional contributions of the award recipients.
Please read the Step Up Youth Scholarship Fund document to ensure you are eligible. Eligible volunteers will receive the link to the application via email. Applications will be open on May 15 and close July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m..
Eligible applicants will be contacted with the application link by program staff.
The Step Up Youth Program offers Vancouver Island youth (aged 15-18) the opportunity to volunteer at select Island Health hospitals and long-term care homes.
Youth volunteers attend weekly shifts and participate monthly in the Step Up Youth Guest Speaker Series. Volunteer roles are centered on practicing Island Health’s C.A.R.E. values (Courage, Aspire, Respect, and Empathy) and positively impact the experience of patients, residents, staff and site visitors. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about careers in healthcare and develop important leadership skills.
This program is perfect for high school aged volunteers who are looking for an exciting and challenging volunteer role in a healthcare environment.
The Step Up Youth Program currently supports 450+ youth at the following locations:
The Step Up Youth Program runs from fall to spring each school year. Volunteer shifts are scheduled once weekly after school hours or on weekends depending on location.
March 1 – Applications open for Fall intake
May 15 – Applications close for Fall intake
August 15 – Deadline to complete volunteer interview and onboarding tasks
For more information about the Step Up Youth Program, please reach out to stepupyouth@islandhealth.ca
Youth Volunteers: Our Step Up Youth Volunteers enrich the experience of patients and residents through the gift of time, empathy, and companionship. The volunteer role is centred on providing social engagement support to patients and residents. Additional duties such as enhancing staff and visitor experience vary by location and site needs.
Volunteer Team Leaders: Experienced volunteers may advance into leadership roles with the program. In addition to performing the duties of a Youth Volunteer, Volunteer Team Leaders (VTLs) also mentor new volunteers, assist with orientations, and manage attendance for their teams.
Read more about the Volunteer Assignment Description.
Training: Youth accepted into our program receive valuable and relevant healthcare training including: infection prevention, cultural safety, wheelchair handling, effective communication and confidentiality.
Career Education: Through the Step Up Youth Guest Speaker Series, volunteers are introduced to a variety of healthcare topics from healthcare professionals who share information about their careers.
Scholarships: Island Health is proud to offer the Step Up Youth Scholarship Fund for current volunteers. Information about the Award will be released on this website in early spring.
Step Up Youth is also affiliated with the Altruition Scholarship Program.
Bursary: Island Health offers bursary funding to eligible volunteers to help remove financial barriers to participating in the Step Up Youth program. The application process is private and confidential. Funding may be used to support transportation, uniform requirements, or food access.
References: Every year, the Step Up Youth Program supports dozens of volunteers with reference letters for schools, scholarships, bursaries and awards. Volunteers must earn 40 volunteer hours to request a reference letter.
For more information about the Step Up Youth Program, please reach out to stepupyouth@islandhealth.ca.
Island Health and Volunteer Resources acknowledge with respect and humility the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw People on whose unceded traditional territories we offer our services and programs.
Volunteer Resources aims to create an environment where all volunteers feel welcomed, respected and valued.
Indigenous Peoples, as the First Peoples of Canada, hold a unique place within our history and within our society. The history of cultural assimilation, residential schools and health care is one of the saddest chapters in Canadian history and has had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
Island Health’s vision for the future embodies respect, understanding, and recognition of Indigenous Peoples. The Volunteer Resources and Engagement team is dedicated to recruiting Indigenous youth volunteers to ensure that our volunteers resemble the communities we serve.
Please visit our All Your Questions Answered webpage to learn more about volunteering at Island Health.
Still have questions? We’d be happy to help! Please contact volunteer@islandhealth.ca for more.
