Throughout her time at Penn State, Noa Diggs found herself drawn to experiences that brought people together.
Whether she was developing a wellness program through the Center for Social Change and Belonging or helping create student-centered experiences at the Center for the Performing Arts, the common thread was always people. Diggs was passionate about creating spaces where individuals felt seen, valued, and connected. Those experiences taught her the importance of community. They also helped shape the future she hopes to build.
A May 2026 graduate, Diggs earned a bachelor of science in criminology with a focus in legal studies, along with minors in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and social justice in education. While her academic studies explored systems, justice, and advocacy, many of the experiences that most impacted her happened outside the classroom. Throughout her time at Penn State, Diggs intentionally sought out mentors who could help guide her journey.
“I am deeply grateful for the mentorship I received during my time here,” Diggs said. “Through my leadership experiences, combined with the unwavering support and encouragement of my mentors, I discovered my passion for student support and advocacy.”
Today, that passion continues to guide both her career aspirations and her work as a program coordinator intern with Penn State Outreach’s Extended Learning Partnerships (formerly Conferences and Institutes).
The internship initially caught her attention because it offered something different from her previous experiences. Rather than focusing primarily on student engagement and program delivery, the role would allow her to explore the behind-the-scenes work that makes educational programs possible.
“The main aspect of the program coordinator role that piqued my interest was the opportunity to be a part of event and program coordination in a new way,” she said.
For much of her college career, Diggs’ work centered on creativity, engagement, and relationship building. Through her internship with Extended Learning Partnerships, she has shifted her perspective to the logistical planning that supports educational programs, workshops, conferences, and summer youth camps.
From noncredit courses and professional workshops to youth programming and conferences, Extended Learning Partnerships coordinates the operational side of programming so subject matter experts and educators can focus on delivering meaningful content. For Diggs, learning how those pieces come together has opened the door to an entirely new side of educational programming.
She sees those skills as essential to the work she hopes to do in the future.
“I want to create spaces where Black people, especially Black students and Black youth, feel seen, valued, and empowered to embrace every part of who they are unapologetically,” Diggs said. “Through student support, outreach, and advocacy, I hope to help build environments where Black people are not only inspired by their culture but also loved, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive boldly and fully.”
To create those kinds of experiences, Diggs believes it takes more than a great idea. It requires planning, coordination, and an understanding of how programs move from concept to reality. That’s one reason she was eager to step outside her comfort zone and embrace aspects of the role that felt unfamiliar.
One area in particular has challenged her in new ways: budgeting.
“Budgeting is not something I necessarily jump for joy at,” she said. “But financial awareness and literacy are extremely important for programming of any scale.”
The internship has also given her opportunities she never expected. As part of her experience with Extended Learning Partnerships, Diggs has been able to sit in on interviews for program manager positions. Watching the hiring process from the other side of the table has offered valuable insight as she prepares to begin her own career after graduation.
“It has given me another perspective,” she said. “One that allows me to not put so much pressure on myself or the position I’m applying for.”
Perhaps the biggest lesson, however, has been personal. Starting a new role after spending years in familiar environments came with uncertainty. Like many recent graduates navigating the transition from college to career, Diggs wasn’t sure what to expect. Now, nearly a month into the internship, she has found herself settling into the work, building confidence, and discovering strengths she didn’t know she had.
“What has surprised me the most about this experience so far is, honestly, myself,” she said.
Among the projects she is most excited about is a research initiative supporting Extended Learning Partnerships’ efforts to expand partnerships beyond organizations currently affiliated with Penn State. The project involves identifying organizations across Pennsylvania and the surrounding region that could benefit from their expertise in planning and coordinating educational events, workshops, conferences, and youth programs.
For Diggs, the assignment is an opportunity to connect organizations doing meaningful work with resources that can help amplify their impact.
“I want to create a list that reflects the amazing, progressive, and creative work so many organizations are doing out there,” she said.
Looking ahead, Diggs hopes to continue working in higher education, specifically in roles that support and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds. She believes mentorship, advocacy, and access to support systems can make a meaningful difference in helping students feel a genuine sense of belonging throughout their educational journeys.
In many ways, the path she hopes to create for future students mirrors the one others helped create for her. Through her internship with Extended Learning Partnerships, Diggs is gaining practical experience in planning, leadership, research, and program management. But she is also building something more lasting: a foundation for a career dedicated to helping students feel seen, supported, and successful.