14-year-old West Muhammed has successfully earned a full ride scholarship to pursure a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Engineering Coppin State University, this makes him one of the youngest students admitted into the institution. Muhammed was awarded the Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship, which is an illustrious (and competitive) scholarship that covers full tuition alongside $1,000 annually for books. Out of a total of 600 students admitted, only 31 earned this prestigious scholarship.
Jinawa McNeil, the Director of Admissions at Coppin State University underscored that scholarship recipients are not only academically excellent but are also fit for co-curricular engagement.
Muhammed’s reason to attend Coppin State was particularly due to the fact that his mother is an alumna of the University.
West shares, “It’s been an amazing experience so far, it’s incredible and inspirational to see so many young black students working and studying hard to become lawyers, doctors and nurses. Being in this environment where others are aiming to succeed is really motivating.”
From a tender age, West’s learning journey and milestones were fast-tracked. His mother remembers playing phonics CDs in the car, and by the age of 3, West was already reading. After enrolling in pre-kindergarten, he was rapidly advanced to the first grade, demonstrating his outstanding abilities.
While in middle school, West Muhammad meticulously mapped out his academic journey, which involved combining public and private school with homeschooling and community college courses to get ahead. His mother shared that this path was not just about academics—it was a way to protect him from the negative influences in their neighborhood. “I wanted him to look up to men in suits and bow ties, not the guys on the corner,” she said. “At home, we use vision boards and set a lot of goals. West is naturally driven and a high achiever.”
West’s interest in technology was sparked when he was gifted his first computer. “I became curious about computer viruses. I never got one, but I wanted to understand how they worked and how hackers could gain control of computers,” he explained. This curiosity led him to choose Cybersecurity Engineering as his major.
With his goals in mind, West plans to take on internships during college, graduate by the age of 18, and eventually start his own company. Beyond his personal ambitions, he hopes to inspire other young people to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. “My journey has shown that things we often see as impossible are, in fact, achievable,” West said.
Looking ahead, West Muhammad is determined to make a meaningful impact in cybersecurity and beyond. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished with curiousity, ambition, hard work, determination, and the right support system.
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