Dallas, TX, January 25, 2026 — The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) today announced a new partnership with Navigator Academy of Leadership (Davenport, Florida) to offer Certified AI Prefect (CAIP)™, a globally recognized K-12 AI certification exclusively designed for students in Grades 9 and 10. The program introduces students to AI fundamentals, Responsible AI, and practical AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-enabled world, while also equipping educators with structured, professional learning to support safe, effective classroom adoption.
As AI rapidly becomes embedded across industries—from healthcare and finance to marketing, cybersecurity, and public services, early AI literacy is increasingly essential. USAII® and Navigator Academy of Leadership are aligning on a student-first approach that builds foundational understanding, ethical decision-making, and real-world awareness of how AI impacts society, learning, and future careers.
Why AI Literacy in Grades 9–10 Matters Now
K-12 schools across the U.S. are experiencing fast adoption of AI tools by both educators and students. In the 2024–25 school year, according to Gallup.com, six in 10 teachers reported using an AI tool for their work, with three in 10 using AI at least weekly, and weekly users estimated they saved 5.9 hours per week, equivalent to about six weeks per school year. In parallel, national polling reported that 85% of teachers and 86% of students used AI during the 2024–25 school year, underscoring how quickly AI has become part of the K-12 landscape (source: Center for Democracy and Technology)
At the policy level, momentum is also accelerating. Code.org’s 2025 State of AI & Computer Science Education report highlights a growing focus on state-by-state AI education policies and whether AI concepts are embedded into standards and graduation expectations—an important signal that AI literacy is shifting from “nice-to-have” to foundational preparation.
What Students Will Gain Through CAIP™
The Certified AI Prefect (CAIP)™ certification is designed to give Grades 9–10 learners a strong, age-appropriate foundation, including:
• AI fundamentals (what AI is, how it works at a high level, where it’s used)
• Responsible AI (bias, fairness, privacy, safety, and ethical use)
• AI in everyday life (recommendation systems, generative AI, search, and decision support)
• Critical thinking and AI literacy (how to question outputs, verify information, and avoid misuse)
• Future readiness (AI’s role in careers, entrepreneurship, and higher education pathways)
Supporting Teachers With Professional AI Training
The partnership also emphasizes educator enablement—helping teachers confidently guide students in ethical and meaningful AI learning. This aligns with the U.S. Department of Education’s direction that AI in education should be approached with responsibility, equity, and human-centered design.
“Navigator Academy of Leadership is committed to preparing students for the world they’re entering, not the world we grew up in”, said Diane LaFrance, VP of Academic and Operations, Navigator Academy of Leadership. Diane further elaborated, “AI literacy and Responsible AI are now essential life skills. With CAIP, our Grades 9 and 10 students will gain a strong foundation in AI concepts and ethical use, while our teachers receive the professional learning needed to support them effectively.”
“This partnership reflects USAII’s mission to expand credible, globally recognized AI education to learners earlier in their journey. CAIP is purpose-built for Grades 9 and 10 to establish strong fundamentals, Responsible AI awareness, and career-aligned AI literacy, while empowering educators with structured training to guide safe and effective adoption,” said David Friedson, Senior VP, USAII®.
CAIP™ will be offered through Navigator Academy of Leadership as a structured K-12 certification pathway for Grades 9–10, with program coordination and implementation supported by the school and USAII.
Global AI Hackathon
In addition, USAII® is organizing the Global AI Hackathon (June 2026), a premier, fully virtual competition for grade 11–12, undergraduate, and graduate students worldwide. This hackathon is a powerful opportunity for Navigator Academy of Leadership students to collaborate globally, build real-world AI solutions, apply Responsible AI principles, and win scholarships, prizes, and global recognition, an ideal launchpad for future AI leaders.
For more information on USAII’s globally recognized certification programs, visit www.usaii.org
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 the Navigator Academy of Leadership
Navigator Academy of Leadership is a K–12 public charter school in Florida dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and future-ready learning. The academy empowers students with strong fundamentals, character education, and innovative programs that prepare them for college, careers, and responsible citizenship. Learn more at https://www.navigatoracademypolk.com