[NickMPK]

There is only one reason for someone devote serious study to poker....that they love playing poker.

There are several ways for a bright and motivated kid to make more money than he could playing poker.
And there are an infinite number of more fulfilling and socially productively careers.

Have the kid play a little poker recreationally, and then tell him he can't play for a year while he studies in college. If after a year he feels he absolutely must play poker (either full time or on the side), then give him the tools to do so successfully.