In an impressive display of academic achievement, 14-year-old West Muhammad has become the youngest freshman at Coppin State University in the university’s history, according to the admissions department. Muhammad is also one of the select recipients of the prestigious Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship. The scholarship provides full tuition coverage and book assistance.
Muhammad, who lives just 15 minutes from campus, expressed enthusiasm about his new journey. “So far, it’s been great,” he told The Baltimore Sun. “It’s also nice seeing so many Black students that are trying their best to become nurses, lawyers, doctors. It’s just great to be in an environment where I see other people, and other young people, that are trying to apply themselves to be something better.”
A Coppin State Legacy
His connection to Coppin State runs deep—his mother is an alumna, and he grew up familiar with the institution. His accelerated educational path began at an early age. He started reading at age three and skipped grades throughout school. His unique education trajectory included public and private schooling, homeschooling, and community college courses while still in high school.
“We are honored to have West join the Coppin family. “West had his choice of many institutions; he and his mother knew our nurturing environment and quality academics would be the perfect fit,” said CSU President Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins. West is a shining example of what is possible with determination, curiosity, and a university design to meet the needs of a multigenerational student population.”
Muhammad is taking up cybersecurity engineering. His aspirations include graduating by the age of 18 and starting his own tech company.
“My experience with school is just showing that those things that we may deem impossible or too hard to empower ourselves to do are indeed possible,” he said.