The Community Journalism “J Lab,” a free certificate course sponsored by Mercer County Community College with support from the Princeton Public Library, is returning this winter — and for the first time, sessions will be held at the Princeton library. Registration is now open for the program’s fifth cohort, which begins Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The eight-week course introduces participants to the fundamentals of community reporting, including newswriting, interviewing, research, and covering local issues. No previous journalism experience is required. Students learn from an MCCC journalism professor and hear guest presentations from working reporters and editors from community and national media outlets. Final articles produced during the course are published online.
Sessions will be held on January 22 and 29; February 5, 12 (via Zoom), 19, and 26; and March 5 and 12, from 5:30–8:00pm. Students must commit to attending at least six of the eight sessions, and the first and last class are mandatory.
Designed for adults 18 and older, J Lab offers a hands-on opportunity to learn how community journalism works — and how residents can play an active role in informing, connecting, and strengthening their local communities.
Location: Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
To register: visit mcccvoice.org/j-lab
Questions: Contact Prof. Holly Johnson at [email protected]
