The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is accepting entries for its 2026 Species on the Edge 2.0 Conservation Challenge, a statewide competition for high school students centered on environmental storytelling and conservation.
Student teams must create a multimedia video presentation focused on a threatened or endangered species native to New Jersey. Projects combine research, storytelling, and proposed conservation solutions based on scenarios provided in the official contest materials.
The challenge is designed as a student-led initiative, with teams working under the guidance of a teacher, parent, or community mentor. Participants are encouraged to explore environmental issues and develop real-world solutions tied to conservation awareness.
Top teams will receive cash prizes, including $2,000 for first place, along with additional awards for facilitators supporting student participants. The deadline is listed in the official contest timeline, and applications are available at conservewildlifenj.org.
TCNJ Summer Arts Camps Open
The The College of New Jersey is accepting registrations for a series of summer arts camps for high school students interested in pursuing creative disciplines in a structured, college-level setting.
Programs include 2D animation, comics, game design, graphic design, music technology, and video production, along with specialized institutes for brass, saxophone, and future music educators. Sessions run in weeklong blocks from late June through mid-July.
Students work in professional studios and academic spaces across campus, including the Art and IMM Building, the Music Building, and Kendall Hall, with instruction from faculty and support from trained student counselors.
The program emphasizes hands-on production, collaboration, and portfolio development, giving students exposure to potential academic and career pathways in the arts.
Residential and commuter options are available, with a low student-to-counselor ratio supporting individualized instruction. More information is available at tcnj.edu.
Artists Exhibition Seeks Work
Mercer County Community College is accepting submissions for its 2026 Mercer County Artists exhibition, a juried show highlighting regional visual artists.
Open to artists ages 18 and older who live, work, or study in Mercer County, the exhibition invites original work across multiple media for summer display in the college’s gallery.
Artists may submit up to three works. A juror will select pieces for exhibition and awards, with some works eligible for purchase prizes and inclusion in the county’s permanent collection.
The show offers local artists a chance to gain visibility and professional recognition in a curated setting. The submission deadline is April 30, and applications are available at mccc.edu.
Lawrenceville Festival Seeks Vendors
Lawrenceville Main Street is accepting vendor applications for its annual community arts festival, which draws a large regional audience.
Organizers plan to host more than 170 vendors, with space for artists, makers, and food vendors, as well as a separate student-focused market component.
The event provides an opportunity for small businesses and creatives to showcase and sell work while engaging directly with the public in a high-traffic setting.
Vendor space is limited, and early application is encouraged for those seeking placement in the event. Apply at lawrencevillemainstreet.com.
Volunteers Needed For Diaper Challenge
HomeFront is recruiting volunteers and community partners for its annual Diaper Challenge, a campaign aimed at collecting diapers and wipes for families in need.
Participants can assist with collection drives, distribution, or serve as drop-off locations. Volunteers may also act as ambassadors, organizing drives within workplaces or schools.
The initiative offers a direct, hands-on way to support families facing financial hardship while engaging in community service.
Organizers aim to collect hundreds of thousands of diapers during the campaign, which runs through May 9. Volunteers can sign up at homefrontnj.org.
Input Sought For Mercer County Opioid Survey
Mercer County is seeking public input through a survey on how to allocate funds from national opioid litigation settlements, with residents invited to help guide priorities for treatment, prevention, and recovery services.
The Mercer County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council is gathering feedback from county residents and those who serve local communities on how the funds should be used to address opioid use disorder and substance use disorder across the region.
The council was established under a 2022 agreement between the State of New Jersey and local governments to advise on the distribution of settlement funding and support programs that reduce harm and expand access to care.
Officials say community input will play a key role in shaping funding decisions, including investments in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction initiatives. The survey is open to the public and can be completed online at mercercounty.org/osfsurvey.
