EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

13-year-old Oklahoma boy makes history as he crosses stage as college graduate

May 18, 2023, 7:00 AM

Four diplomas. Dozens of certifications and awards. And now, 13-year-old Elijah Muhammad's family s...

Four diplomas. Dozens of certifications and awards. And now, 13-year-old Elijah Muhammad's family says he's the youngest African American to graduate college with a degree in computer science and cybersecurity. (Mandatory Credit: KOCO)

(Mandatory Credit: KOCO)

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Four diplomas. Dozens of certifications and awards. And now, 13-year-old Elijah Muhammad’s family says he’s the youngest African American to graduate college with a degree in computer science and cybersecurity.

Last week, KOCO 5 highlighted a 15-year-old college graduate. Now, her little brother graduated at just 13 years old.

There’s a long list of accomplishments behind Elijah Muhammad’s name.

“I have 10 IBM certifications through Course Zero. I have one Google IT certification. I have four diplomas from Oklahoma City Community College,” the teenager said.

At just 13, Elijah has crossed the stage as a college graduate and made history.

“I didn’t really understand the full impact of it until my dad fully explained it and was like, ‘You’re really doing this. You’re the youngest to ever do it,'” Elijah said.

And while he may not be your typical 13-year-old boy, he says he still loves being a teenager.

“I currently attend OSU and am working on my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and forensics. I also attend Langston with a 4.0,” Elijah said. “As much accomplishments as I have, I still go swimming, go outside, play basketball and still have fun and stuff.”

His family beams with pride at all he’s done and what’s to come.

“He is the smartest person I know. And regardless of if you’re older or not, it’s like I’ve never seen nothing like him,” his sister, 15-year-old Shania Muhammad, who also recently graduated college, said.

A speaker, a record-holder and a motivator, the world is at his fingertips.

“If you want to put your mind to making a 4.0, you can do it,” Elijah said during a recent speech. “If you want to put your mind to winning a state championship, you can do it. You just gotta put in the work that it takes to accomplish that.”

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

FILE: Actress/singer Jennifer Lopez is seen onstage during FOX's "American Idol" Finale For The Far...

Kaitlyn Huamani, AP Technology Writer

An ‘influencer’ degree? Colleges bet on content creator major as critics question its value

Arizona State University recently launched a bachelor's degree in content creation with the major departure from a journalism or mass communication degree being a slate of specialized electives on podcasting, studio production and on-camera presence.

11 hours ago

A text book, shown Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 in Washington, to be used by the Pentagon this fall when t...

Annie Ma and Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press

AP Exclusive: US military base schools put new emphasis on Western civilization and Christianity

The Department of Defense is introducing a course centered on Western civilization and Christianity this fall in the schools it operates for military families.

17 hours ago

For some kids, the hardest part of going back to school is managing the emotions that a new year br...

Emma Benson, KSL

Butterflies or serious struggles? Gauging your student’s mental health on back-to-school week

For some kids, the hardest part of going back to school isn't finding the right supplies, it's managing the emotions that a new year brings.

17 hours ago

University of Utah students Jenae Watts, 19, Brendan Matern, 18, and Olive Nelson, 20, from left, w...

Jason Swensen, Deseret News

Why is Education Secretary Linda McMahon giving university presidents ‘homework’?

Just days before the start of a new academic year at most U.S. colleges, Education Secretary Linda McMahon is issuing a "call to action" to university presidents and board members.

6 days ago

United Way of Salt Lake and other volunteers packed over 7,400 backpacks for students in need on Th...

Madi Vollmer, KSL

United Way packs thousands of backpacks as back-to-school need reaches record high

United Way of Salt Lake and other volunteers packed over 7,400 backpacks for students in need on Thursday.

6 days ago

Back -to-school merchandise fills the seasonal section of a store as Utah families prepare for the ...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL

Back-to-school bargains: Same supply list cost over twice as much depending where we shopped

The KSL Investigators shopped the back-to-school sections at Walmart, Target, Smith's, Dollar General and Amazon to see where we pay more and where they pay less.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this spo...

Bear Lake

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.

How Harper Clinic's IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah....

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

As demand for mental health care continues to rise across Utah County, Orem's Harper Clinic says it is trying to close the gap with a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, manag...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic's TMS Therapy can help.

mental health...

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

...

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

13-year-old Oklahoma boy makes history as he crosses stage as college graduate