From prison to a college degree. Years after earning her GED, Miseka Diggs found a new love: education. Through Rutgers–Newark’s NJ-STEP program, which helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students earn college degrees, she began rebuilding her future. Last week, at 49, the Rutgers–Newark Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC) scholar graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Her success has opened doors to opportunities at Ivy League institutions, but she’s chosen to continue her journey right here at RU–N, where she’ll pursue her Master of Social Work. “I gained a family of people who want to see me win. I gained a sense of belonging and I gained a lot of love and guidance and a lot of knowledge,” she said. “They believed in me when no one else did. I’m staying right here at Rutgers.” 🔗 Read Miseka’s full story at the link in our bio. #RutgersClassof2026 #RutgersNewark #ScarletForever