At a mere 10 years old, Dorothy Jean Tillman II embarked on her college journey. By 14, she had already accomplished what many adults strive for: earning bachelor’s, master’s, and associate’s degrees. Now, at the age of 17, she has etched her name in history as the youngest individual to obtain a doctorate from Arizona State University. Alongside her academic pursuits, Dorothy established the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, a venture dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Throughout her remarkable journey, she has received unwavering support from her family, particularly her mother and grandmother. Despite missing out on typical school experiences, Dorothy remains steadfast in her commitment to further learning, public speaking engagements, and fundraising efforts for her startup.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.