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.

Competition Details:
The 2026 local Academic Quest Competition will be held at Chapman University. The winning team of this local competition will go on to represent Orange County at the National Competition in Washington D.C. Topics for this year’s competition are listed below- for access to the study guide please register below.

Chapman Competition:

Sandhu Conference Hall, Chapman University

1 University Dr, Orange, CA 92866

Saturday, March 14, 2026

11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

National Competition:

United States Institute for Peace

2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

April 27 – 28 2026

 

Topics List for 2026

 

                        1. Pop Culture and Soft Power in International Relations
                        2. The FIFA World Cup
                        3. Migration and Immigration
                        4. The U.S. Constitution and Foreign Policy 
                        5. The Belt and Road Initiative 
                        6. Tariffs and Trade
                        7. Coffee and Chocolate: A Global Perspective
                        8. Nuclear Policy Issues
                        9. Focus Country: Australia 
                        10. Current Events
 
Registration Information
 
Please fill out the Pledge Form to register your team to the 2026 Orange County Academic World Quest Competition.
 
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 orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org.
 
 
Congratulations to our 2026 AWQ Winners! 

1st Place: Bolsa Grande High School 

2nd Place: El Dorado High School (Team Black)

3rd Place: El Dorado High School (Team White) & Marina High School

 
 
 
AWQ Past Winners
 
El Dorado High School – 2nd place out of 40 teams across the United States in 2024! 
 
Photos of Past AWQ Competitions

 

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

Academic WorldQuest Sponsorship Opportunities

Academic WorldQuest is a program of the World Affairs Councils of America and is a nationwide competition held in over 40 cities across America.

Teams of four high school students are challenged on their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and current events.

The first place winner will be given the opportunity to represent Orange County in the national WorldQuest competition, receiving a paid trip to Washington D.C. Prizes will also be awarded to those in second and third place. All participants will receive gifts and certificates of Recognition.

Please call us at 949-354-3180 for more information or if you would like to donate to our future leaders.

Donate here!

$2,500 Orange County Winning Team Sponsor
Supports the winning team’s trip to Washington, D.C

  • Name and/or Company Recognition from Chairman prior to the beginning of the program
  • Name/Company listing on Sign, Event Program and promotional pieces (including company logo) at the event
  • Listing on the WACOC website (www.worldaffairscouncil.org)

$1000 Corporate Sponsor for Education
Supports Awards and Prizes for Students

  • Name and/or Company Recognition from Chairman prior to the beginning of the program
  • Name/Company listing on Sign, Event Program and promotional pieces (including company logo) at the event
  • Listing on the WACOC website (www.worldaffairscouncil.org)

$500 High School Team Sponsor
Supports one Team’s cost for the event

  • Name and/or Company Recognition from Chairman prior to the beginning of the program
  • Name/Company listing on Sign, Event Program and promotional pieces (including company logo) at the event
  • Listing on the WACOC website (www.worldaffairscouncil.org)

$250 Future Leaders Sponsor
Supports a Student’s cost for the event

  • Name and/or Company Recognition from Chairman prior to the beginning of the program
  • Name/Company listing on Sign, Event Program and promotional pieces (including company logo) at the event

Please send your checks to:

World Affairs Council of Orange County
2151 Michelson Dr. Suite 264, Irvine, CA 92612

or call our office at (949)-354-3180