Volunteer Opportunities at Clear Lake

Classic Volunteers

Our classic volunteer program typically involves a commitment of one weekly four-hour shift for a minimum of 1 year. Volunteers are placed in assignments based on both preferences and open hospital opportunities.

Summer Program

Our summer program provides an opportunity for volunteers to serve others while making new friends, networking with medical professionals, developing self-esteem and creating meaningful memories. The lives of our patients deepen through the energy and compassion of these volunteers.

Requirements and How to Apply
Applicants for volunteering must meet basic requirements, including be at least 17 years of age, background check and Houston Methodist Clear Lake’s health and immunization standards. Selected volunteers must obtain a TB test and drug screen from our employee health clinic and attend an orientation class. All volunteers are asked to agree to a commitment of at least one four-hour shift per week. Unless negotiated otherwise, a typical term of service is for one year, or a minimum of 150 hours.

To be considered for our program, please complete the volunteer application, which will be kept on file for six months. If your application is chosen for interview, you will be contacted.

2026 Summer Student Program: 

The Summer Student Program application is open to currently enrolled high school and college students (available summer only) for the months of June and July. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2026, for eligibility.  

Step One:

Submit your online application, which will be available from Feb. 1 – 28, 2026.  Your application must include:   

• A completed profile 

• Resume

• Most recent grades/transcript 

• Written essay 

• Signed Parental Consent (required if under 18 years of age) 

Essay Prompt:

As part of your application to the Houston Methodist Clear Lake High School Summer Volunteer Program, please submit an essay (approximately 500–750 words) addressing the questions below. Your responses will help us get to know you, your motivations, and how you hope to contribute to our hospital community.

Please reflect thoughtfully and answer each of the following questions:

1. Inspiration: What inspired you to volunteer in a health care setting, and why is this experience meaningful to you?
2. Purpose: What does volunteering mean to you personally, and how do you believe volunteers make a difference in a hospital environment?
3. Growth: What are you hoping to gain or learn through your volunteer experience at Houston Methodist?
4. Values in Action: Our hospital is guided by the I CARE values – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. What do these values mean to you, and how will you demonstrate them while volunteering?

Step Two:

Attend a mandatory, onsite information session to about the 2026 Summer Student Program expectations. The presentation will be held in the AMOCO Conference Room in the West Building, 2035 Space Park Drive, Houston, TX 77058. For any student under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must attend with you.

• Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. 

• Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. 

• Monday, Feb. 16, at 6 pm 

Additional information about the application process:

Applications that are early, late, incomplete, or missing required items will not be considered.  

• Applications are scored by our Selection Committee using a standard rubric. The top-scoring applicants will be invited to panel interview for our open positions. This is a competitive program with a limited number of positions. 

• Interviews will be scheduled on weekdays, between March 10-13 and March 16-18, 2026, during normal business hours. 

• Applicants will be notified via email with acceptance or decline throughout the process, with final decisions released no later than Monday, March 23, 2026. 

• A mandatory orientation class will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Students who cannot attend the mandatory orientation will be excused from the program. 

• Onsite service shifts will begin on Monday, June 8, 2026, and continue until the end of the program on Thursday, July 23, 2026.  Students must attend 6 out of the 7 weeks of the program. This allows for one week off during the summer.
  
  
• Students are required to be available for two four-hour shifts each week throughout the entire program duration, with options being Monday - Thursday, shifts (8 a.m. – Noon), and Emergency Department shift (Noon – 4 p.m.).

Thank you again for your interest in Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Volunteer Services.

Contact Us:

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital 
Volunteer Services 
18300 Houston Methodist Drive
Houston, Texas 77058
281.523.3495
HMCLvolunteers@houstonmethodist.org

Volunteer Assignment Opportunities

Assignment availability will vary and depend on both departmental needs and volunteer schedules.

Traditional Assignments

• Emergency Department
• Hospitality
• First Impressions
• Patient Engagement
• Art Cart
• Music Performance Opportunities
• Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care

Pet Visitation

• Visits with therapy pets have been proven to provide stimulation for conversation, increase energy levels, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Therapy dogs at Houston Methodist Clear Lake are certified through Faithful Paws and Paws for Therapy.

To learn more or apply to become a volunteer, email Holli Hirsch at HMCLvolunteers@houstonmethodist.org or call 281-523-3495.