Academic WorldQuest

Test your students’ global IQ at our annual international knowledge competition for high school students.

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.

 

2026 Competition Timeline

September 2025: Topics + Study Guide will be released
October 2025: AWQ registration opens, and schools should start to recruit students for their teams
Fall–Winter 2025: Online topic webinars (dates and topics TBD)
March 2026 Local competition organized by Global Minnesota (date and location TBD)
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
🇦🇺 New This Year
Instead of the “Great Decisions” category, there will be a category on the focus country: Australia

Study Guide

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.