From K-12 school assignments to college labs, AI is becoming the skill that helps students stand out. Everyone in today’s technologically evolving world is racing towards an AI-driven future, where they are faced with the opportunity to lead the charge.
Could you imagine earning a globally recognized AI certification, competee nationally with top AI talent, and build AI skills that guide tomorrow’s AI panorama?
All of this could be a living reality with USAII® AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026. Want to know how? Keep reading!
About AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026
The USAII® AI NextGen Challenge 2026 is launched to bridge the AI skills gap exclusively for STEM students in the USA. The deserving top 10% students can earn a 100% AI scholarship on the self-paced AI certifications from USAII®, and a chance to compete nationally with the top participants through the National AI Hackathon 2026.
How to go about the AI NextGen Challenge™?
Step 1- Online AI Scholarship Test
Step 2- Level-Wise Merit-Based Scholarships on AI Certifications
- CAIP™: Grade 9–10 learners
- ™CAIPa: Grade 11–12 students
- CAIE™: Undergraduate and graduate students
Step 3- National AI Hackathon 2026
This is a golden opportunity for only the top 10% of online AI scholarship test performers to earn 100% free access to the premium top AI courses, while the remaining participants will get 25% discounts (guaranteed) on these AI certifications.
The top 10% performers from high school (Grade 11-12), college, and university students will get a big breakthrough to compete in the National AI Hackathon 2026 in Atlanta, for $100,000 cash prizes and industry recognition. National AI Hackathon allows your ample opportunity to land a rewarding internship with your dream industry giant and networking benefits.
*(Grade 9-10 students are NOT allowed to participate in the AI Hackathon yet, but they can start preparing to appear strong in the next year)
Aim of AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026
The AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026 steps in to solve a critical problem: America needs more AI talent. To fill the AI skill gap, executives are implementing various policies, yet almost 52% of U.S. K-12 students reported a lack of AI training (Microsoft, 2025).
This AI training and skills gap threatens the competitive edge of USA. To bridge the gap, USAII® has launched America’s largest AI scholarship 2026, which empowers America’s STEM students with trusted AI upskilling, globally recognized credentials, and a hands-on National AI Hackathon experience.
So, whether you’re in high school or college, this program prepares you for tomorrow’s future in the field of AI.
Who Can Participate?
The USAII® AI NextGen Challenge 2026 is open to:
- High School STEM Students (Grades 9–12)
- College/University Students (Undergraduate & Graduate)
With a nominal rregistration fee (for online scholarship test) for the high school STEM students is $49, and for the college students is $88. Apply now to reserve a seat!
Apply for the Online AI Scholarship Test Now!
The Round 1 registration window is closing soon. Register for Round 2 of the online AI scholarship test before December 31, 2025, so that you can take the test on January 31, 2026, and start your AI upskilling journey.
The online AI scholarship test shall last for 60 minutes. Early test registrations shall allow you more preparation time and a chance to perform better
