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 was held at Chapman University. The winning team of this local competition went on to represent Orange County at the National Competition in Washington D.C.

Topics for this past year’s competition are listed below- access to the study guide was provided in advance to registered teams.

 

Topics List for 2026

  1.  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
                      1.  
 
Registration Information
 
Information and sources regarding the topics may also be found on the national AWQ webpage.
 
 
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 mail 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.

Donations to the World Affairs Council of Orange County help to cover the costs of this competition and sending the winning teams and their coach/chaperone to Washington, DC for the competition, meetings with embassies and think tanks, and global networking

 

$5,000 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
530 Technology Drive, Suite 100; Irvine, CA 92618