December 16, 2025, Freehold, NJ: The world’s leading AI certification body, the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), today announced a strategic partnership with HackFRee, the student-led hackathon serving the Freehold Regional High School District, to expand access to responsible artificial intelligence education, national credentials, and real-world innovation opportunities for students.
Through this partnership, HackFRee participants will gain direct pathways into USAII’s AI NextGen Challenge, a national initiative designed to help high school and early college students build practical AI skills, earn recognized credentials, and compete for scholarships and prizes, enabling students to hack locally and get recognized nationally.
“This partnership connects the creativity and energy of HackFRee students with nationally recognized AI learning and credentials,” said, Jelena Komitas, Science & Engineering Magnet Program Supervisor, Manalapan High School, “It gives our participants the opportunity to take what they build locally and advance it on a national stage.”
As part of the partnership, USAII® and HackFRee will collaborate to deliver:
Students recognized through the partnership will receive USAII® Student Hackathon Ambassador digital badges and opportunities to earn nationally recognized AI certifications, strengthening college applications and early career readiness.
“HackFRee exemplifies the power of student-led innovation,” said Mike Spaeth, Global Vice President, Growth & Partnerships at USAII®. “Together, we are creating a clear pathway from local hackathon participation to national AI credentials, so students can hack locally and get recognized nationally, while learning to use AI responsibly and competitively.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to responsible AI education, equitable access to emerging technologies, and building future-ready skills for students across the Freehold region. Joint activities will roll out throughout the academic year, including expanded programming, student recognition, and post-event showcases highlighting student achievement.
For Media Contacts:
Team – Marketing and Communications
United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®)
Email: marcom@usaii.org
About USAII®
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is the world’s leading AI certification provider, committed to building a future-ready workforce. USAII® offers a comprehensive suite of AI certification programs, including Certified AI Engineer (CAIE™), Certified AI Consultant (CAIC™), Certified AI Scientist (CAIS™), and Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™), among others. With a mission to democratize AI learning, USAII® empowers professionals, organizations, and academic institutions with cutting-edge knowledge, tools, and frameworks to thrive in the AI-driven economy. Learn more at www.usaii.org
About HackFRee
HackFRee is a student-run hackathon bringing together students from across the Freehold Regional High School District to collaborate, innovate, and build technology solutions to real-world problems. HackFRee empowers students through hands-on learning, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
Learn more at https://www.hackfree.info/
