KEY POINTS:
- 9-year-old Aiden Wilkins is the youngest student ever enrolled at Ursinus College, according to NBC Philadelphia
- The high school sophomore takes neuroscience classes three days a week while completing online courses, per 6ABC Philadelphia
- Wilkins began reading at age 2 without formal instruction and tested as gifted, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported
A 9-year-old Pennsylvania boy has made history as the youngest student ever to enroll in a course at Ursinus College, where he is studying neuroscience while simultaneously completing his sophomore year of high school.
According to NBC Philadelphia, Aiden Wilkins of Collegeville is taking neuroscience classes at Ursinus College three days a week while completing high school courses online through Reach Cyber Charter School, where he is a sophomore. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on August 30, 2025, that at age 8, he’s the youngest student Ursinus College has ever enrolled in a course.
Early Signs of Exceptional Intelligence
Wilkins demonstrated remarkable abilities from an early age. “I could just read them when most kids at my age, at like two, could barely even speak,” Aiden told 6ABC Philadelphia about reading outdoor signs before anyone had taught him how. “Yeah, I just grasped it so fast.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that his mother, Veronica Wilkins, 43, an assistant vice president at Chubb insurance company in Philadelphia, noticed signs of intelligence when “at one year, he started reading words in restaurants or on buildings that I hadn’t taught him.”
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, as a toddler, Aiden wrote an algebraic equation. “He just picked up a cue card and he wrote something like ‘2x plus 10 equals 12,'” his mother told The Inquirer. “He told me to solve it.”
Academic Journey and Acceleration
NBC Philadelphia reported that three years ago, Aiden passed the gifted test administered by his high school. The Philadelphia Inquirer detailed his educational path: Aiden attended preschool in person and then the private Pearson Online Academy for kindergarten through second grade before enrolling at Reach Cyber Charter School as a third grader in March 2023.
“In fifth grade, I literally told my mom I felt like I’m teaching the class,” Aiden told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Since then, he has advanced to 10th grade in just 2½ years, according to the publication.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Aiden is on track to graduate at age 11, making him potentially the second youngest graduate from Reach Cyber Charter School. The publication noted that David Balogun of Bensalem finished high school there in 2023 at age 9 and is now 12, studying computer science at Southern New Hampshire University, according to his mother.
The Path to Ursinus College
About a year ago, Aiden expressed interest in experiencing in-person classes to prepare for college, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. NBC Philadelphia reported that his mother researched options and found Ursinus College, conveniently located near their home.
Kelly Sorensen, Ursinus’ associate provost, recalled meeting Aiden in The Philadelphia Inquirer: “That’s not something like I’ve ever seen before, so we decided to explore it.” Sorensen told the publication that Aiden showed up “in a suit and tie and talked about his interest in neuroscience.”
Black Enterprise reported that in correspondence with PEOPLE, Sorensen expressed eagerness to accept the young academic into the campus community, saying, “We’re delighted to be a part of Aiden’s journey, which is as exceptional as he is. The challenge is to keep his hungry mind well-fed.”
College Experience and Career Goals
In the neuroscience classroom, Aiden studies alongside 18-to-20-year-olds. “Ever since I was 3, I’d watch an anatomy video and was always fascinated when I saw the brain,” Aiden told NBC Philadelphia.
His career aspirations are clear. “The reason why I want to be a pediatric neurosurgeon is mainly because I like helping kids around my age,” Aiden told NBC Philadelphia. “It’s sad to see kids around my age with neuro-disabilities so I want to help them out.”
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Aiden is one of four dual enrollment students at Ursinus this semester and is receiving an Ursinus scholarship for the course, bringing his family’s cost to $500.
Recognition and Support
The Reporter reported on September 4, 2025, that Montgomery County Commissioners presented Aiden with a commendation for his academic efforts. According to the publication, Commissioner Chairman Neil Makhija noted that the Royersford child participated in a dual enrollment program in partnership between Ursinus College and Reach Cyber Charter School.
Carlita Favero, a professor of biology and neuroscience who has taught at Ursinus for 15 years, told The Philadelphia Inquirer: “He’s a delight to talk to. I’m excited to see how it all unfolds.”
Balancing Childhood and Academic Excellence
Despite his extraordinary academic achievements, Aiden maintains typical childhood interests. Black Enterprise reported that he is an avid gamer and soccer player. 6ABC Philadelphia noted that Veronica Wilkins says Aiden is still very much a typical 9-year-old who enjoys video games and playing soccer.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Aiden describes himself as “a social butterfly” and enjoys basketball, soccer, bike riding, and video games. According to the publication, his mother is planning a college-themed party for his ninth birthday, complete with a cake featuring Ursinus memorabilia.
Future Educational Plans
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Aiden and his mother have already visited Harvard and Brandeis Universities and taken a virtual tour of Princeton University. According to 6ABC Philadelphia, Aiden’s top choices for future study before medical school are Johns Hopkins and Princeton.
“I’m extremely proud of Aiden because it’s all him. It’s all organic,” Veronica Wilkins told NBC Philadelphia. “I’m just behind the scenes and he goes for what he wants.”
Inspiring Others
Aiden has a message for others pursuing their dreams. “You can do anything,” he told 6ABC Philadelphia. “You really just have to put the work into it.”
NBC Philadelphia reported that Aiden said, “What I really want people to know is that from my story all you have to do is put in work to do whatever you want.”
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, in addition to his academic pursuits, Aiden recently started a nonprofit called Fresh Start to Success to raise money for school supplies and other supports for foster children.
