A 14-year-old teen prodigy and University of Connecticut honors student has been named the fourth Truman Scholar in UConn's history.
Colin Carlson, then 13, listens to a question during an interview with The Associated Press at the University of Connecticut in 2010. STORRS, Conn. (AP) — A teen prodigy and University of Connecticut honors student has won a highly competitive national scholarship that pays $30,000 toward graduate studies.
University officials say 14-year-old Colin Carlson, of Coventry, is only the fourth UConn student named a Truman Scholar since the award was established in 1975.
Carlson started taking UConn classes when he was 9. He's now a junior studying for a dual degree in evolutionary biology and in environmental studies and ecology.
In addition to the $30,000 from the Truman Scholars program, he is among three UConn students recently awarded $7,500 each by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships program. The scholarships are given to students headed into careers in mathematics, science or engineering.
Carlson says he plans to pursue a law degree and a doctorate, and work in environmental advocacy.