Need a workshop or program with a professional artist? This form allows organizations, companies, schools, school districts, etc. to request a group workshop, group class, or program with professional artists from Mason Gross School of the Arts through Rutgers Community Arts. By filling out this form, you confirm that you understand this is not a request for a volunteer.

The Invited Student Initiative is an opportunity for full funding for select summer camps and programs for artistically driven students who might not typically have the opportunity to participate in an arts class or program but in this case are being recommended by an educator or community member familiar with their work.

In other contexts, you will hear these students and their families referred to as “underrepresented,” “diverse,” or “minorities.” While this language may suit other circumstances, at RCA, we wish to welcome these students as our invited guests to our campus so that they may experience what we have to offer through the arts at the collegiate level.

It is our hope that we can share space and time with these Invited Students and their families to learn from and grow alongside each other.

To be an invited student, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Middlesex County resident
• Rising fifth- to rising 12th-grader during the summer of participation
• Identified and recommended by an educator or community member, e.g., high school arts teacher, church pastor. Parents or family members are not eligible to nominate a student
• Artistically driven and dedicated student in one or more of the following areas: music, theater, dance, filmmaking, art, or design
• Someone who would self-select an arts class or program, but because of extenuating circumstances such as family finances or other family-related accessibility needs, is unable to do so
• Both student and family/guardians must be open to regular conversations with a member of the RCA staff

Nominate a Summer 2024 Invited Student (for educators/community members only)

This program is open for needs based students only, but is separate from our financial aid offerings. Financial aid information will be released in February 2024.

Coming soon

Coming soon

Why Volunteer?

Are you a current MGSA student, faculty, staff member or alum interested in exploring opportunities to volunteer? Contact us.

Artists might hesitate when asked to volunteer or give their time for free, and they should: Being an artist does not mean we work for free; our time is just as valuable as any other profession, and we should be compensated as such.

Still, volunteering your time to support causes you are passionate about or would like to learn more about will enrich your understanding of the world around you and will deepen your experience of your own art. By immersing yourself in a community and giving your time and artistry, you are connecting with new people, broadening your network, exploring how your art evolves or feels in a different space, and sharing a piece of you that brings joy to others. Furthermore, you may inspire someone to pursue their chosen art form.

Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Sharing that time, space, and art with the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment, pride, and identity.

Find an arts-based volunteer opportunity through RCA.

Current Volunteering Partnerships

RWJ Cancer Institute: Over the last year, musicians from the Mason Gross Music Department have given free performances that have lifted the spirits of both patients and healthcare workers alike. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the coming year.