*Scholarship Worth $12.3+ Million
The AI Education Impact 2026
2,000+
Schools and Colleges to Partner
20,000
Students eligible for scholarships
200,000+
Students benefiting from AI education
US $100,000
Total prize pool available
The AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026 empowers high school, undergraduate, and graduate students across the United States with AI education, global certifications, and innovation opportunities for future careers in the Artificial Intelligence technology.
This program awards 100% AI certification scholarships to top-performing students and culminates in a National AI Hackathon in Atlanta, GA, in June 2026.
Scholarship Tracks
Each participating school/college/university is required to register students for the online test, from which 10% of top-performing students will be selected. USAII® will award 100% scholarships to these selected students – enabling them to pursue USAII’s globally recognized AI certifications at no cost**.
Certified Artificial Intelligence Prefect (CAIP™)
Grades 9 and 10
An exclusive track for young minds with a STEM bend; offering fundamentals of AI, Robotics, deep learning, and much more.
- Self-Paced Learning Mode
- US $49 Participation Fee
Certified Artificial Intelligence Prefect – Advanced (™CAIPa)
Grades 11 and 12
An advanced track covering applied machine learning, neural networks, and hands-on AI innovation.
- Self-Paced Learning Mode
- US $49 Participation Fee
Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™)
College Students from STEM
An advanced track covering applied machine learning, Gen AI, advanced LLMs, MLOps, RAG, ML Architecture, and more.
- Self-Paced Learning Mode
- US $88 Participation Fee
Four-Phase Enablement Journey
Phase 1 | Registration of Schools or Colleges
Each participating school or college/university registers students to join the AI NextGen Challenge™ and unlock access to USAII® scholarship and certification opportunities.
Phase 2 | Online Scholarship Test
Registered students take the USAII® Online Scholarship Test. Based on merit, the 10% of the Top Performers per school or college shall qualify for 100% scholarships on global AI certifications from USAII® (Find Online Scholarship Test Curriculum Below)
Phase 3 | USAII® Certification Tracks
Scholarship winners begin USAII® certification programs - CAIP™ and ™CAIPa (Advanced) for high-school students and CAIE™ for undergraduates and graduates - gaining AI skills, projects, credentials, and global learning exposure.
Phase 4 | AI NextGen National Hackathon 2026
The top certified students who qualify in the Pre-Hackathon Competition will advance to Atlanta for the AI NextGen Hackathon 2026, competing for US $100,000 in prizes, mentorship, and national recognition
Student Benefits
100% AI Scholarship
Get fully funded access to USAII® certification programs
Career & Internship Readiness
Gain early exposure to real-world AI concepts, project-based learning, and data literacy.
Globally Recognized AI Certification
Earn the prestigious credential from USAII®, respected by universities and employers worldwide.
Learning Flexibility
100% online, self-paced, with interactive assessments, eBooks, and recorded expert sessions
Networking with Industry Leaders
Engage with AI experts, recruiters, and technology leaders during AI Hackathon.
Cash Prizes & Awards
Win up to $25,000 per team ($100,000 total prize pool) in the AI Hackathon in June 2026.
Career Counselling & Mentorship
Attend career guidance sessions led by USAII® advisors and industry mentors.
National Recognition
Top students advance to represent their school at the AI NextGen National Hackathon 2026 in Atlanta.
Community Access
Become part of the global USAII® AI Learners Network, connecting with peers, mentors, and innovators across the world.
Online Scholarship Test Schedule
The Online Scholarship Tests will be held on the following dates:
January 31, 2026
10 AM
EST
To award scholarships, USAII® will conduct online scholarship tests for registered students based on the curriculum mentioned in the exclusive exam policy. The scholarship test will be notified to students at their registered email address.
Showcase your AI talent, win scholarships, and connect with top AI experts while solving real-world challenges in the AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026.
Download Exam Policy and Curriculum GuideTotal Cash Prizes: $100,000
Over $100,000 in total prizes and nationwide recognition for the brightest young innovators in AI.
Apply for ScholarshipJoin hands to build the AI Future by sponsoring the AI NextGen Challenge™. For more information, get the sponsorship guide.
Download Sponsorship GuideFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the curriculum or syllabus for the online scholarship selection test?
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What is the schedule for Online Scholarship tests?
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Is there a deadline for completing the certification programs?
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Who can apply for the AI NextGen Challenge™ Scholarship Program?
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Is school or college registration mandatory to participate?
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What certifications are included in the scholarship program?
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What is the participation fee for the scholarship selection test?
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How are scholarship winners selected?
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What does the scholarship include?
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What is the AI Hackathon and how can I qualify?
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Who is eligible for the National AI Hackathon 2026?
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When and where is the National AI Hackathon Finals?
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What are the cash prizes for the winners?
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What if not enough students qualify from an institution?
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What is the format of the AI Scholarship Test?
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Do I need to know programming before applying?
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Can I apply if I am not from a STEM background?
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Is the registration fee refundable if I do not qualify?
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Can international or non-US students apply?
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How can organizations or universities become sponsors or partners?
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