Nationwide — At just 14 years old, West Muhammad, an African American student From Baltimore, has made history as the youngest freshman ever to attend Coppin State University in Maryland. While most teens his age are starting their first year of high school, West is already walking the campus of Coppin State, embarking on his college journey.
What West didn’t anticipate was starting his studies in cybersecurity engineering at such a young age, especially on a full scholarship. “I was a little nervous because it felt surreal at times,” he admitted. “People would ask me how I got here, and I started to realize how rare this was.”
Indeed, West’s path is unique—not only is he the youngest freshman in Coppin State’s history, but he’s always been ahead academically. His mother taught him to read by age 3, and by age 4, he had already started first grade. He attended private schools, was homeschooled, and later entered public schools, always advancing beyond his peers.
Even though he’s still the youngest in his circles, a position he’s familiar with from his school days, West isn’t letting that slow him down. He’s excelling in his coursework, already earning high grades and gaining the admiration of his professors and peers.
For West, the goal isn’t just about making history. “It’s about setting an example for other young people, whether they’re 13, 14, or 15,” he explained. “If they want to go to college or start a business, I hope I can show them that anything is possible.”
