USAII® Collaborates with Hoya Hacks for New National AI Pathway for Student Champions
Dallas, TX — January 17, 2026 — The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) doubles up the AI expanse with Hoya Hacks as we progress to the next big pedestal in the America-wide AI Scholarship Program- the USAII® AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026. Hoya Hacks has announced a new national pathway that will enable its top performing team to advance from a local hackathon experience to national and global AI recognition through participation in the USAII® AI NextGen Challenge™ Through this pathway, the Hoya Hacks Champion will be formally nominated to represent themselves across the global AI ecosystem, gaining access to advanced AI learning, industry-recognized credentials, and expanded visibility for their work. The most-coveted initiative by USAII® is designed to reward exceptional student innovation while promoting responsible AI literacy, applied problem-solving, and workforce readiness. The program emphasizes accessibility, interdisciplinary learning, and impact-driven innovation—values that extend beyond the hackathon through this new national and global opportunity. About the USAII® AI NextGen Challenge™ The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) AI NextGen Challenge™ is a global initiative that combines AI learning with a collaborative, virtual hackathon experience for students around the world.
This year marks the inaugural USAII® NextGen AI Hackathon, intentionally designed from day one to prioritize access, learning, equity, and responsible innovation for students everywhere. This is a fully virtual, global event designed to deliver real learning, real collaboration, and real impact—without the barriers of travel, geography, or cost. The Hackathon will witness teams collaborating remotely, applying responsible AI practices, and showcasing their AI ideas on an international platform. As part of the Hoya Hacks Champion Pathway: ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
The winning team will receive direct entry into the USAII® AI NextGen Challenge™ 2026 Eligible students may earn a complimentary AI certification, including exam preparation, e-learning, and the certification exam Champions will gain national and global visibility as student innovators within an international AI community
“Hoya Hacks represents exactly the kind of student-led innovation we want to elevate globally,” said Mike Spaeth, Global Vice President of Growth & Partnerships at USAII®. “This pathway creates a clear bridge from hackathon creativity to realworld AI skills, responsible innovation, and nationally recognized credentials—while removing barriers so students everywhere can participate and succeed.” “Hoya Hacks has always been about empowering students to build meaningful solutions,” said Joshua S. Meredith, J.D., Staff Chair and Senior Project Manager of Hoya Hacks. “This pathway allows our champions to take their ideas beyond the hackathon, collaborate globally, and gain recognition for responsible, real-world AI innovation.” The initiative establishes a noteworthy annual pathway, allowing future Hoya Hacks champions to advance from local innovation to globally recognized AI programs as part of an ongoing commitment to student opportunity and impact. For more information on USAII® programs or to explore partnership opportunities, visit www.usaii.org or write to
[email protected]. For Media Contacts: Team-Marketing and Communications United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) Email:
[email protected] About the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is the world’s leading AI certification body, providing globally recognized credentials that support responsible AI adoption, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning across education, enterprise, and government sectors. About Hoya Hacks
Hoya Hacks is a student-led hackathon, designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving across disciplines. Open to students of all experience levels, Hoya Hacks provides an inclusive environment for building impactful solutions to real-world challenges. Learn more: https://hoyahacks.georgetown.domains/
