On Ramp is a guide to opportunities readers can act on, 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
Entrepreneur Certificate Program. Entrepreneurs looking for a more structured learning experience can enroll in the New Jersey Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneur Certificate Program, which begins Saturday, July 18.
The online program runs through September and covers business startup fundamentals, business planning, financing, record keeping and marketing. It is designed for aspiring business owners as well as entrepreneurs who recently launched a venture and want a stronger foundation before taking the next step.
The schedule includes sessions on business startup basics, business plans, financing a small business, record keeping and marketing strategies for small businesses. The program is offered through the NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College. The fee is $590. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
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HomeFront Career And Volunteer Fair. HomeFront will hold a career and volunteer fair Wednesday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its new resource hub, 222 North Hermitage Avenue, Trenton.
The event is designed for people interested in working or volunteering in a social-services and community-oriented setting. HomeFront works with families experiencing homelessness, poverty, hunger and housing instability, and the fair gives prospective applicants and volunteers a chance to learn more about available roles and ways to get involved.
The fair may appeal to people looking for full-time work, mission-driven employment, community-service opportunities or a first step toward volunteering with a nonprofit that serves families and children in Mercer County. For more information go to homefrontnj.org.
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AI Basics for Businesses. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center will offer “Make AI Work for You” on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 5 p.m.
The online workshop is designed for small business owners and their teams. No prior artificial intelligence knowledge or technical background is required. Participants are asked to bring business challenges and a laptop, suggesting the session is meant to be practical rather than theoretical.
The program may be useful for business owners trying to understand how AI tools can support productivity, marketing, customer service, operations or everyday problem-solving without requiring a major technology investment. The workshop is offered at no cost. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
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Online Visibility Workshop. SCORE will offer “Get Ranked & Recommended with SEO & GEO” on Thursday, July 23, at noon.
The online workshop focuses on improving online visibility through Google Search, Google Maps and emerging AI-driven platforms. It is aimed at business owners who want customers to find them more easily online and understand how search is changing as artificial intelligence tools become part of the discovery process.
The program may be useful for small businesses, consultants, retailers, restaurants, service providers and nonprofits trying to make better use of their websites, listings and online presence. For more information go to score.org.
AI Grant Writing for Nonprofits. SCORE will offer “The Art of Grant Writing with AI for your Nonprofit” on Tuesday, July 28, at noon.
The webinar will focus on using artificial intelligence tools to support grant writing while still aligning proposals with grant-makers’ priorities and maintaining a personal touch. The program is aimed at nonprofit leaders, staff members and volunteers involved in fundraising, development or program support.
The session may be useful for small nonprofits that need to pursue grants but do not have large development departments. It also fits organizations trying to understand where AI can help with drafts, research and structure without replacing judgment, mission knowledge or human voice. For more information go to score.org.
Arts & Creativity
Shakespeare Auditions at Kelsey. Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College has posted open auditions for a Shakespeare production, with auditions scheduled Sunday, July 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at MCCC and Monday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The College of New Jersey.
Actors are encouraged to prepare a two-minute comic or romantic Shakespeare monologue of their choice or select from provided speeches. Specific room information will be provided in audition confirmation emails.
The opportunity is aimed at performers interested in classical theater, comedy, romance and community-stage experience. Actors must sign up for an audition appointment. For more information go to kelsey.mccc.edu.
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Storytellers and Poets Open Mic. The Arts Council of Princeton will host Story & Verse, a storytelling and poetic open mic, on Thursday, July 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Solley Theater.
The program gives writers, poets, storytellers and spoken-word performers a chance to share original work in front of an audience. Participants may bring a story, poem or prose piece, while audience members can attend to listen.
The monthly open mic is designed for both emerging and experienced writers and performers. It also offers a low-pressure way for people to test new material, return to the microphone or connect with the local writing and performance community. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
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MithilaVerse Artist Submissions. West Windsor Arts is accepting entries for “MithilaVerse: Folk Meets Future,” an art show connected to Mithila art and contemporary interpretation.
Artists may submit up to three works for consideration. The entry fee is $25 for West Windsor Arts members and $35 for nonmembers. The submission period runs through Monday, Aug. 3.
The opportunity is designed for artists interested in e∫xploring the connection between folk traditions and contemporary creative practice. Artists should review the call for theme, eligibility, delivery requirements and exhibition details before submitting. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.
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Quilt Guild Card-Making Workshop. The Arts Council of Princeton will host a gallery talk and card-making workshop with the Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild on Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Taplin Gallery.
Participants will use fabric scraps to create designs on cardstock using glue and scissors. The workshop is connected to the exhibition “Ten Years of Threads: The Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild’s Journey Through Fabric and History,” on view July 11 through Aug. 8.
The workshop is open to participants of all ages, from elementary school through adulthood. Elementary-aged children must attend with a guardian. No registration is required. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Cafe Improv Performer Slots. Café Improv returns to the Arts Council of Princeton’s Solley Theater on Saturday, July 25, from 7 to 10 p.m.
The long-running program features music, poetry, comedy and other performances by local and regional artists. Performers can register for a time slot, while audience members can attend to hear a mix of original work and community talent.
The program is designed for beginning and professional performers alike, giving musicians, comedians, writers and other artists a place to share material in front of a live audience. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
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Watercolor Artist Submissions Sought. The Arts Council of Princeton’s artist-opportunities page lists a call for the New Jersey Watercolor Society’s 84th Annual Open Juried Exhibition.
The call is open to New Jersey artists age 18 and older, as well as NJWS signature members living outside New Jersey. Artists working in watercolor and water media are invited to submit work for consideration.
The submission deadline is Monday, Aug. 17. The exhibition will run Oct. 4 through 24 at Middletown Arts Center, with accepted artists eligible for more than $8,000 in cash and merchandise awards. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Film & Media
Halloween Film Festival Deadline. Independent filmmakers have until Friday, July 25, to meet the regular submission deadline for the Lambertville Halloween Film Festival.
Presented through ACME Screening Room, the festival seeks short horror, suspense, thriller and Halloween-themed films running 44 minutes or less. The festival accepts a range of genre work, including psychological horror, supernatural stories, horror comedy, science fiction, experimental films and special-effects-driven shorts. The festival is scheduled for Oct. 16 through 18 in Lambertville. Later submission deadlines continue into August, but the regular deadline gives filmmakers a lower-cost window before late fees apply. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.
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New Hope Film Submissions. Filmmakers can submit work for consideration for the 2027 New Hope Film Festival, with a regular deadline of Friday, Aug. 28.
The festival accepts submissions in multiple categories, including narrative features, documentary features, narrative shorts, documentary shorts, student films, music videos and webisodes. Submitted films are considered for the 2027 festival, scheduled for April 16 through 25.
The opportunity may be useful for regional filmmakers, student filmmakers and independent producers looking for a nearby festival with a long-running presence in Bucks County. Submission fees vary by category and deadline. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.
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New Hope Screenplay Submissions. The New Hope Film Festival Script Competition is accepting screenplays for consideration, with a regular deadline of Friday, Aug. 28.
The competition gives screenwriters a separate pathway from film submissions, allowing writers to submit scripts even if the work has not been produced. Later deadlines continue into the fall and winter, but the regular deadline offers a lower-cost submission window.
The opportunity may appeal to writers working on feature scripts, shorts or other screen projects who want to connect their work to the New Hope Film Festival’s broader programming. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.
Youth & Family
Rockin’ Caterpillar Craft. Princeton Public Library will offer a “Take & Make — Rockin’ Caterpillar” craft on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program gives children and families a simple hands-on project to take part in during a library visit. Take-and-make activities are designed for families who want a flexible activity rather than a longer scheduled class or performance.
The craft is part of the library’s summer programming and gives younger patrons a creative project connected to the season’s broader reading and learning activities. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
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Tiny T. Rex Author Party. Princeton Public Library will host “Tiny T. Rex Party with Jonathan Stutzman” on Friday, July 24, from 10 to 11:45 a.m. in the Community Room.
The program features author Jonathan Stutzman and is built around his “Tiny T. Rex” books. Children and families can take part in a themed author event connected to reading, storytelling and summer library programming.
The program is part of the library’s summer lineup for young readers and families. Families should check registration details before attending. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
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Cooks and Books Program. Princeton Public Library will offer “Cooks + Books: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on Wednesday, July 29, from 3 to 4 p.m.
The program combines reading with a hands-on food or food-themed activity connected to the children’s book. It is designed for young readers and families who want a participatory summer library program tied to a familiar story.
The program gives children a way to connect books, imagination and kitchen creativity while taking part in a structured library activity. Families should check age guidance and registration details before attending. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
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School Of Rock Enrollment. School of Rock Princeton is enrolling students for music programs in Lawrence Township.
The school offers performance-based music instruction for children and teens, with students learning songs, rehearsing with others and building toward live performance. Programs may include guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals, depending on age, interest and placement. The opportunity may appeal to families looking for music instruction that combines lessons with band experience and performance practice. For more information go to schoolofrock.com/princeton.
Community Connections
County Parks Volunteer Groups. The Mercer County Park Commission’s Stewardship Department offers volunteer opportunities for companies, small businesses and organizations interested in working on parkland projects.
Volunteer activities may include native plantings, invasive species removal, litter cleanups, restoration site work and trail maintenance. The program is designed for groups that want to schedule a volunteer outing while helping maintain and improve Mercer County parks.
The opportunity may appeal to employers, civic groups, scouts, congregations and other organizations looking for outdoor service projects. Groups can contact the Stewardship Department to schedule a volunteer outing. For more information go to mercercounty.org.
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Boys & Girls Clubs Volunteer Roles. Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County offers one-time volunteer opportunities for people and groups interested in supporting youth programs.
Special-day volunteers may assist with one-time events at after-school programs, summer camp sites or off-site locations. The opportunities can be useful for companies, community groups, student organizations or individuals looking for a defined service project rather than a long-term commitment.
The organization also posts other volunteer opportunities connected to mentoring, youth programs, education, career readiness and club events. For more information go to bgcmercer.org.
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TASK Volunteers and Donation Drives. Trenton Area Soup Kitchen is seeking volunteers, community groups and businesses interested in supporting its hunger-relief work.
Groups can volunteer together during meal service, making the opportunity suitable for scouts, religious groups, athletic teams, workplaces and other organizations. Businesses can also explore corporate volunteering as a team-building and community-service opportunity.
TASK also invites people to organize donation drives, schedule tours or request speakers who can help groups understand hunger and the ways individuals, businesses and communities can respond. For more information go to trentonsoupkitchen.org.
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Anchor House Walk-Run Challenge. Anchor House’s Ride for Runaways Flex Walk/Run continues through Saturday, July 18. The annual challenge invites participants to walk or run 100 miles over six weeks while raising money to support Anchor House in Trenton. The organization serves youth and young adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness or aging out of the child welfare system.
The flexible format allows participants to complete miles on their own schedule rather than attending a single race. The opportunity may appeal to runners, walkers, families, teams and supporters looking for a fitness-based fundraiser tied to youth services. For more information go to anchorhouseride.org.
Learning & Lifestyle
Dancing Under The Stars. Princeton Public Library will host Dancing Under the Stars on Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at Hinds Plaza.
The outdoor dance program is open to beginners, with high school-age participants and adults welcome. The event gives participants a chance to learn and move in an informal setting rather than simply watching a performance.
The summer series is co-sponsored by the library and Central Jersey Dance Society. In case of rain or extreme heat, the program may move indoors. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
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Evening Yoga at Morven. Morven Museum & Garden will host Evening Yoga in the Gardens with Gratitude Yoga on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 7 p.m.
The outdoor program gives participants a chance to practice yoga in a garden setting. The class may appeal to people looking for a summer wellness activity that combines movement, relaxation and time outdoors.
Participants should check Morven’s registration details, weather policies and what to bring before attending. For more information go to morven.org.
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College Admissions Workshop. Mercer County Library System will offer a college admissions workshop for parents on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the West Windsor Branch.
The program is designed for parents and guardians who want to better understand the college admissions process and how to support students preparing for applications, essays, deadlines and decisions.
The workshop may be especially useful for families with high school students beginning to plan for college or trying to make sense of the steps ahead. For more information go to mcl.org.
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Personal Branding Program. Mercer County Library System will offer “Build Your Personal Brand” on Monday, Aug. 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the West Windsor Branch.
The program is aimed at adults interested in career development, networking and professional presentation. Participants can learn how personal branding connects to job searches, business relationships and professional identity.
The session may be useful for job seekers, entrepreneurs, freelancers and professionals who want to present themselves more clearly online and in person. For more information go to mcl.org.
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Adult School Instructor Proposals. Princeton Adult School is accepting course proposals from potential instructors for its fall semester.
The school offers classes in business, technology, personal finance, dance, movement, English language learning, food, drink, wellness, outdoor skills, humanities, arts and world languages. Instructors may propose in-person or virtual classes, with the fall semester expected to begin in mid-October.
The opportunity may appeal to professionals, artists, hobbyists, educators and community members who have a skill or subject they want to teach to adult learners. For more information go to princetonadultschool.org.
