What is Academic WorldQuest?

Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) is a flagship program of the national network of World Affairs Councils, located in more than 90 communities across the country. It is a team game testing high school students’ knowledge of international affairs, current events, human geography, world history, and culture.

After studying the ten topics, approximately 4,000 students across the country participate in competitions hosted by local World Affairs Councils. Winning teams are invited to represent their high school, city, and local council at the national AWQ competition, held in the spring each year at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center in Washington, DC.

There are 10 rounds with 10 questions each. 1 point will be given for each correct answer. There will be no loss of points for incorrect answers, only points awarded for correct answers. The team with the most points win. If there is a tie and immediate 1st-3rd tie breaker round is held.

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Competition Details:
The 2025 local Academic Quest Competition will be held at Chapman University. Local Orange County winners will go on to represent the county at the national competition in Washington D.C. Topics for this year’s competition is listed below, however only schools/teams that register will receive the full study guide from the World Affairs Council of America.

Chapman Competition:

Location: Sandhu Conference Hall, Chapman University

1 University Dr, Orange, CA 92866

Saturday, March 15, 2025

11:30am-4:00pm

(time of day subject to change, notification will be given in advance of any changes)

National Competition:

Location: United States Institute for Peace, Washington, D.C.

2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

Sunday, April 20, 2024

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Topics List for 2025

                        1. The United States and Foreign Languages
                        2. Space and National Security
                        3. Nontraditional Approaches to Foreign Policy
                        4. Music and Globalization
                        5. Indigenous Peacebuilding
                        6. Critical Minerals in Africa
                        7. Borders and Boundaries
                        8. Mexico: 2025 Focus Country
                        9. Great Decisions
                        10. Current Events

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Registration Information
 
If you are interested in registering for this year’s competition, please fill out the Pledge Form HERE. To pledge a team for this year, no student information is required. Specific information will be asked for closer to the event date. 
Upon registering, you will receive our chapters study guide with all the topics and approved sources from which to study. Information and sources regarding the topics may also be found on the national AWQ webpage.
 
For more information, please call 949-253-5751 or email us at gabriel@worldaffairscouncil.org .

 

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Past Winners
 
El Dorado High School’s ‘Team Gold’ won 2nd place out of 40 teams across the United States! 
 
Winners:

First Place: El Dorado High School (Placentia) Team Gold

Second Place:  Marina High School (Huntington Beach)

Third Place: El Dorado High School (Placentia) Team Hawk

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Photos of Past AWQ Competitions

For more information, please call 949-253-5751 or email us at orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org