On Ramp is a guide to opportunities readers can act on now, from workshops, auditions and artist calls to volunteer roles, business programs and community resources. Listings are subject to change, so readers should confirm details with the sponsoring organization before making plans.
Business & Career
AI Marketing Sessions. NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey is offering Student Connect Series: Marketing + AI, an in-person small-business program at TCNJ, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing. The series is designed to help business owners evaluate their current marketing, identify new opportunities and learn how artificial intelligence can support marketing work. Suggested for entrepreneurs, independent professionals and small businesses that want practical guidance before making fall and fourth-quarter marketing decisions. sbdcnj.com
Business Counseling Sessions. NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey continues to offer free one-on-one business counseling sessions for small-business owners and people thinking about starting a business. Counselors can help with planning, marketing, financing questions, operations and next steps for growth. This is a good ongoing On Ramp item because it gives readers a direct service they can request, not just a single seminar to attend. sbdcnj.com
Middlesex Networking Party. The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its Largest Networking Party on Monday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick. The event is designed for business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who want to make contacts across the region. The chamber promotes the event as a large networking gathering with local food and drink vendors, giving participants a chance to introduce themselves and build business relationships in a less formal setting. mcrcc.org
ACG Breakfast Meeting. ACG New Jersey will hold its September Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at EisnerAmper in Iselin. The meeting is built around curated small-group roundtable discussions rather than a single formal presentation. Suggested for business owners, executives, advisers, investors and professionals in finance, mergers and acquisitions, consulting, law, accounting or corporate leadership who want focused conversations and new contacts. acg.org/newjersey
Networking Luncheon. The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a September Networking Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 24, at The Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway, Edison. The luncheon gives professionals a midday opportunity to meet other chamber members, introduce their work and build connections with companies and organizations in the Middlesex County business community. This is useful as a regional business item if the section needs more professional networking beyond Mercer County. mcrcc.org
Resources for Growth. Middlesex County Regional Resources for Growth will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middlesex College in Edison. The free in-person business event is designed to connect businesses with financing and lending information, government programs, technical assistance, government contracting and certification resources. Suggested for small-business owners and entrepreneurs who want to learn about public and nonprofit resources before making expansion or financing decisions. mcrcc.org
Women’s Leadership Summit. The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce is taking registration for its 25th annual Women’s Leadership Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 8:30 a.m. The summit is intended for business owners, executives, managers, nonprofit leaders and professionals interested in leadership development and networking. This is a forward-looking Business & Career item that gives readers time to register and plan their schedules. mcrcc.org
FIFA Security Lessons. ACG New Jersey will hold an October Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, focused on lessons for business leaders from the 2026 FIFA World Cup security effort. The program is farther out, but it has a specific leadership, security and operations angle rather than a generic networking pitch. Suggested for executives, security professionals, event planners, operations managers and business owners interested in risk management and large-scale planning. acg.org/newjersey
NAMI NJ Job Opening. NAMI New Jersey is hiring a part-time Recovery Program Coordinator at $20 per hour. The position involves organizing, implementing and evaluating recovery-focused and peer-related programming for the mental health organization. This is a practical On Ramp item because it gives readers a specific job opportunity connected to nonprofit and community health work. Suggested for people with experience or interest in mental health advocacy, peer support, program coordination or nonprofit service. naminj.org
Arts & Creativity
Voices Chorale Auditions. Voices Chorale NJ is auditioning singers before rehearsals on Monday, Sept. 14; Monday, Sept. 21; and Monday, Sept. 28, at Music Together, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell. The Princeton-area chorus welcomes all voice parts and is especially seeking tenors and basses. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This is a strong local audition item because it gives singers multiple dates and enough time to prepare. voiceschoralenj.org
Kelsey Theatre Auditions. Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College will hold open auditions for The Man Who Came to Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. Video auditions also will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 p.m. The auditions are for a community theater production on the West Windsor campus, giving actors time to review the cast breakdown, prepare and contact the production team with questions. kelsey.mccc.edu
OnStage Seniors Auditions. Center for Modern Aging Princeton’s OnStage Seniors ensemble is looking for new members. The community-based acting group gives older adults a chance to perform, tell stories and take part in documentary-style theater based on memory, aging and lived experience. Registration is required, and there is no audition fee. Use this if you want a strong arts item aimed at older adults and readers looking for a creative way to get involved. cmaprinceton.org
Masterwork Chorus Auditions. The Masterwork Chorus is holding auditions for singers interested in joining its 2026-27 season. The mixed chorus draws singers from northern and central New Jersey, with auditions listed for Wednesday evenings Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 and other times by appointment. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, Sept. 9. This is a good farther-out music opportunity for experienced choral singers who want to perform with a large auditioned ensemble. masterwork.org
Youth Orchestra Auditions. The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey is holding new-student auditions for elementary through high school musicians for the 2026-27 season. Students must register for an audition time, and the fall schedule includes registration night and rehearsals leading into the orchestra’s concert season. This is a strong Youth & Family arts item because it gives young musicians and their parents a clear next step for joining an ensemble. yocj.org
Princeton Youth Ballet. Princeton Youth Ballet will hold season auditions on Saturday, Sept. 27. The auditions are open to dancers ages 7 to 22, or dancers in Primary B and up, who are interested in professional-level performance experience. The season includes The Nutcracker, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. This is a strong audition item because it gives dancers and families time to prepare and plan around the rehearsal and performance schedule. princetonyouthballet.org
Community Piano Jam. Princeton University Concerts will host an all-day Community Piano Jam on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, on the Princeton University campus. Pianists of all ages and levels are invited to sign up for the informal event. It is described as an opportunity to play in a beautiful setting and share music in a welcoming atmosphere, not as a formal competition or recital. If more pianists sign up than there are available slots, player participation will be confirmed by lottery. puc.princeton.edu
South Brunswick Art Call. The South Brunswick Arts Commission is accepting applications for Days of Our Lives, a juried exhibition exploring the range of human experience, from everyday routines to moments of change, memory, identity and connection. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 2. This is a strong call-for-art item because it gives artists several weeks to select work, review the submission rules and apply for a local exhibition opportunity. sbarts.org
Works in Wood Entries. New Hope Arts is accepting entries for Works in Wood 2026. The call is for original artwork that incorporates wood as a central material, with a listed submission deadline of Sunday, Oct. 11, at 11:59 p.m. This is a strong farther-out call for artists and makers because it gives woodworkers, sculptors, furniture makers and mixed-media artists time to review requirements, prepare images and submit work. newhopearts.org
Arts Council Proposals. The Arts Council of Princeton has opened the window for artists to propose exhibitions for its 2028 season. The deadline to submit a proposal is Thursday, Oct. 15. The Arts Council also maintains an artist opportunities page with calls for art, public art opportunities, mural projects and other listings. This can work as an umbrella item for artists who are not applying to one specific call this week but want to monitor local opportunities. artscouncilofprinceton.org
Trenton Arts Fellowship. Mercer County Community College and Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts are accepting applications for the second round of the Trenton Arts Fellowship. The 2027-28 fellowship will select one visual artist living and working in the City of Trenton, with applications due Monday, Nov. 30, at 11:59 p.m. Artists can learn more about the program and application process during Art All Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. mccc.edu/trentonartsfellowship
McCarter Fall Classes. McCarter Theatre Center has fall classes on sale for students of different ages and experience levels. One new class, Broadway Remix, runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 18 and is designed for ages 8 to 12. Students explore songs, characters and moments inspired by contemporary musical theater through acting, choreography and ensemble work. This is a strong arts-education listing because readers can register for a multiweek program rather than simply attend a show. mccarter.org
Contemporary Art Classes. The Center for Contemporary Art has opened registration for its fall 2026 education lineup, with classes and workshops for children and adults. Offerings include ceramics, painting, drawing, multimedia and hands-on workshops for different experience levels. The center emphasizes both full-length classes and shorter workshops, making the program suitable for beginners who want to try something new as well as experienced artists looking to develop specific skills. ccabedminster.org
Mill Ballet Classes. Mill Ballet School’s academic-year classes resume Monday, Sept. 14, with fall registration open. The school offers classes for a range of ages and levels, from toddlers taking their first steps in dance to advanced dancers continuing their training. This is a good Youth & Family arts-registration item because it gives families a timely reminder before the fall session begins. millballetschool.com
Tomato Patch Jr.. Tomato Patch at Mercer County Community College is taking registration for Fall 2026 Tomato Patch Jr. The youth performing arts program gives young performers a structured way to build confidence, explore theater and develop creative skills during the school year. This is a good Youth & Family arts-registration item, especially for parents looking for an after-school or weekend arts program connected to MCCC and Kelsey Theatre. tomatopatch.mccc.edu
Kelsey Theatre Volunteers. Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College offers volunteer opportunities connected to its community theater companies and productions. Needs vary by company and production, but theater volunteers can often help behind the scenes, with front-of-house work or in other production-support roles. This is a useful ongoing item if you want a theater participation opportunity that is not limited to actors or singers. kelsey.mccc.edu
Chili Cook-Off Entries. The Arts Council of Princeton will hold the Princeton Community Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 3 p.m. The event can work as an On Ramp item if cooks can still enter because it invites participation from home cooks and professional chefs rather than simply asking readers to attend. The farther-out date gives participants time to plan recipes, gather ingredients and register. artscouncilofprinceton.org
Community Connections
Literacy Tutor Training. Literacy NJ’s Mercer programs are holding volunteer tutor training sessions in August and September. The organization is looking for volunteers who can help adults improve literacy and language skills. This is a strong Community Connections item because it gives readers a way to train for an ongoing service role rather than attend a one-time program. Suggested for adults who want a structured volunteer opportunity with direct community impact. literacynj.org
PLC Volunteers. Princeton Learning Cooperative is looking for adults willing to share their time and talents with teens. Volunteers may tutor, lead a small class, offer a workshop or share expertise in a subject they care about. PLC describes itself as an alternative to school for teens and emphasizes interest-driven learning, mentoring and real-world connections. This is a good ongoing volunteer item for readers with professional, artistic, academic, technical or life skills they want to share. princetonlearningcooperative.org
CASA Information Sessions. CASA of South-Central New Jersey has volunteer information sessions for Mercer County residents, including sessions listed for Monday, Sept. 14, and Tuesday, Oct. 6. CASA volunteers advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. This is a strong civic-service listing for readers who want a serious volunteer role and are willing to complete training and screening. casasnj.org
Owl Migration Volunteers. Wild Bird Research Group is seeking volunteers for its Northern Saw-whet Owl migration work from mid-October through the end of November. Friday sessions are listed for the Hunt House in Mercer County. Volunteers are asked to send their information and experience in PDF form by email with the subject line Application – Saw-whet Owl Volunteer. This is a distinctive environmental volunteer item and a good choice if you want something unusual and seasonal. wildbirdresearch.org
VITA Tax Volunteers. United Way of Greater Mercer County is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA volunteers help provide free tax preparation for individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and opportunities include greeters, tax preparers and translators. The United Way opportunity board lists ongoing roles at sites including the Salvation Army Trenton Citadel and Hamilton Free Public Library. This is a practical volunteer item with a clear community benefit. uwgmc.org
Meal Recovery Volunteers. United Way of Greater Mercer County also lists meal recovery volunteer opportunities that run through December. Volunteers help with weekly meal pickup and delivery routes in Mercer County, with training and monthly learning sessions tied to food recovery, sustainability and food security. This is a useful hands-on volunteer item because the time commitment is clear and the work connects directly to food access. uwgmc.org
CMAP Volunteer Fair. Center for Modern Aging Princeton will hold a Third Act Volunteer Engagement Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The program is tied to the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and is designed to help adults find volunteer opportunities that match their interests, skills and passions. This is a strong On Ramp item because it connects readers with multiple ways to get involved rather than promoting a single event. cmaprinceton.org
NAMI Support Groups. NAMI New Jersey offers online support groups through Zoom, including a Family Support Group on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. The groups require registration and are designed for people seeking peer support and practical connection around mental health challenges. Because this has appeared before, use only if space is available or if a mental health resource is needed for balance. naminj.org
NAMI Mercer Conference. NAMI Mercer has opened registration for its 18th annual Harvest of Hope wellness conference, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 a.m. The nonprofit mental health organization lists Landon Donovan, former United States Men’s National Soccer Team and Major League Soccer player and mental health advocate, as this year’s special guest. The conference is offered at no charge as a gift of wellness to the community. namimercer.org
Youth & Family
Preserve at Play. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will hold Preserve at Play on Saturday, Sept. 26. The family-focused program invites children, parents, grandparents, neighbors, classmates and friends to spend time outdoors at the preserve. This is a good Youth & Family registration item because it gives families a specific fall nature program to plan around, and it is far enough out to be useful beyond the immediate issue window. bhwp.org
Trail and Treat. The Lawrence Hopewell Trail will host Trail and Treat on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Village Park in Lawrence Township. The annual family bike event celebrates Halloween with costumes, a ride and treats along the trail. It is aimed especially at families with children ages 12 and under, and advance registration is encouraged. This is a strong farther-out Youth & Family item because readers need time to plan costumes, bikes and family participation. lhtrail.org
Young Patriots Day. Princeton Battlefield Society will hold Young Patriots Day on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Princeton Battlefield State Park. The program is more event-like than a call for entries, but it can work as a Youth & Family On Ramp item when framed around children and families participating in hands-on history and America’s 250th-related activities. It also has a flyer image available. pbs1777.org
Fall Art Camp. West Windsor Arts has a Fall Break Multi-Arts Camp listed for Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is geared toward children ages 6 to 12 and gives families a creative option when schools are closed. Because it is farther out, this does not need top placement in the Sept. 9 issue, but it is useful as a forward-looking Youth & Family registration item. westwindsorarts.org
Learning & Lifestyle
Copper Penny Classes. The Copper Penny Players will begin a fall series of eight classes on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in Sergeantsville. The series concludes with a revue, giving participants a chance to work on material over several weeks and then share it. This is a participatory performing arts item rather than a straight concert, and it can fit either Arts & Creativity or Learning & Lifestyle. fredmillermusic.com
Nassau Women’s Doubles. Nassau Tennis Club is taking registration for its Women’s Fall Doubles League. The league runs from Sept. 29 to Nov. 10, with playoffs in week seven, and players may register with a partner or ask to be matched with one. This is a recreation listing with a clear participation angle and a defined season, making it stronger than a one-day tournament. nassautennis.net
Mixed Doubles Tournament. Nassau Tennis Club is taking registration for its Mixed Doubles Club Championship on Saturday, Sept. 19. The one-day competitive event is open to all levels, with a Flight A division for 3.5 level and above and a Flight B division for 3.0 level and below. Suggested for adult tennis players looking for a local tournament with level-based divisions. nassautennis.net
Morven Guided Programs. Morven Museum & Garden has September programs tied to its fall schedule, including docent-led tours connected to its America’s 250th exhibition, Five Independent Souls. This is not as directly participatory as an audition or application, but it can work under Learning & Lifestyle when framed as registration for guided museum programming. Morven also provided an Afternoon Tea image, making it a possible photo candidate if a listing is used. morven.org
MCCC Fall Registration. Mercer County Community College has registration open for Fall Semester 2026 credit classes. This is a broad education item rather than a narrow event, but it can work as a practical Learning & Lifestyle or Business & Career listing for readers considering a degree program, career change, transfer credits, professional training or personal enrichment. Suggested for use only if the section needs a general local education opportunity. mccc.edu
