Academic WorldQuest

High school students can test their global IQ at our annual international knowledge competition.

The only international knowledge competition of its kind in the state, Academic WorldQuest challenges high school students to think globally and quiz locally. Interactive and fun, this event offers a unique way to learn about critical issues facing the U.S. and the world.

Register Here

2026 Competition Timeline

September 2025: Topics + Study Guide will be released
Fall-Winter 2025: AWQ registration opens, and schools recruit students for their teams
March 2026: Local competition organized by Global Minnesota, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Mall of America, Parkview Meeting + Event Center
April 2026: National Competition in Washington, DC

National Competition Logistics

April 26–28, 2026 | Washington, DC

April 26 (Evening): Optional meet & greet

April 27 (Morning): DC visits + resource fair

April 27 (Afternoon): Contest + evening reception

April 28 (Morning): Embassy reception

2026 Competition Topics

  • Pop Culture and Soft Power in International Relations
  • FIFA World Cup
  • Migration and Immigration
  • The U.S. Constitution and Foreign Policy
  • The Belt and Road Initiative
  • Tariffs and Trade
  • Coffee and Chocolate: A Global Perspective
  • Nuclear Policy Issues
  • Focus Country: Australia
  • Current Events

🇦🇺 New This Year: Instead of the “Great Decisions” category, there will be a category on the focus country: Australia

How to get started:

  1. Find four students interested in international affairs topics

  2. Share the online study guide with your team and help them assign topics for study

  3. Let the students do the research and check in occasionally

  4. Come to the competition on March 11 at Mall of America

Resources

Academic WorldQuest competition questions are based on the downloadable study guide mentioned above. There is also a series of webinars on each topic from the National World Affairs Councils of America.

Topics

All questions for the competition will be drawn from sources in the official Academic WorldQuest Study Guide, except current events.

2025 Competition Standings

1st Place: Mayo High School Team C
2nd Place: Mounds View High School Team A
3rd Place: Grand Rapids High School Team B
4th Place: Mayo High School Team A
5th Place: Burnsville High School Team A
6th Place: Edina High School Team B
7th Place:  Edina High School Team A
8th Place: Mayo High School Team D
9th Place: Washburn High School Team A
10th Place: St. Paul Central High School Team D

2025 Competition Photos

Questions?

Contact Sylvia Oxenham, K-12 Education Manager

Presented in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America.