9-Year-Old Prodigy Becomes Youngest Student Ever at a Pennsylvania College

Aiden Wilkins, a 9-year-old high school sophomore from Montgomery County, Pa., has begun taking neuroscience courses at Ursinus College while remaining enrolled at a local charter school—making history as the institution’s youngest student. Displaying early giftedness, Aiden devoured reading and science before kindergarten and now aims to become a pediatric neurosurgeon to help children with neurodisabilities. Faculty describe him as inquisitive and remarkably prepared, discussing topics from glial cells to neuroplasticity (and even Shakespeare) during his first campus visit. His family emphasizes nurturing his curiosity while keeping him grounded socially and emotionally. For Ursinus, the challenge is feeding a “hungry mind” with appropriate rigor and support. Aiden’s path spotlights flexible schooling models that let exceptional learners accelerate in specific domains without sacrificing breadth or well-being.

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Source: BET