At just eight years old, Royersford’s Aiden Wilkins is making history as the youngest student ever to enroll in a course at Ursinus College in Collegeville, writes Susan Snyder for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
While most children his age are heading into elementary school, Aiden is diving into neuroscience — his first step toward a dream of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.
Aiden’s small frame made him worry about fitting into a college desk. But in the classroom, he’s proven he belongs. His classmates, many freshmen nearly a decade older, are impressed by his sharpness and enthusiasm. “He’s so smart, it’s almost upsetting,” one Ursinus student said.
The Reach Cyber Charter School sophomore has been accelerating through grades since enrolling in the Harrisburg-based online school last year. Already in 10th grade, he’s on track to graduate high school at just 11 years old. Ursinus awarded him a scholarship to take the course, reducing the cost to $500.
Despite his advanced academics, Aiden still enjoys soccer, basketball, and video games. He recently launched a nonprofit, Fresh Start to Success, to help foster children with school supplies and support.
As he celebrates his ninth birthday this month, Aiden is already setting his sights on Princeton or Johns Hopkins for the future.
To learn more about the Royersford 8-year-old attending Ursinus, visit The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in September 2025.
