Interested in medicine and enjoy helping people? Then volunteering at your local hospital might be just the thing for you. Adult volunteers are always welcome.

16-year-old Talara Buelow is one of two teens presently enrolled in project youth. "It's very interesting, you get financial aid, so that's always good. You get to learn a lot if you're interested in the medical field."

After being enrolled in project youth for almost a year now and with more than 150 hours of work experience, Talara has decided she wants to be a physical therapist. Assistant director of volunteer services, Betty Sabold says, "Project Youth was developed for young people that are interested in pursuing a career in health care. It usually gives them financial assistance, hospital experience and job experience."

Talara says, "The best experience I think was when I worked on the surgical floor, I learned a lot there." Betty also says that in addition to the experience, a scholarship account is established for each participant. "For every hour they volunteer $5 is put into a college escrow account by the auxiliary of Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center."

Once 100 hours have been completed and verification of enrollment in a healthcare program is provided, the money is theirs. More important than the money, Talara says, teens working with patients makes a difference. "It puts a smile on their face to see some young people helping."

Certain criteria needs to be established to qualify for this program open to high school students in 10th through 12th grade. You can call 239-939-8636 for more information.