Academic WorldQuest - International Relations Council

High school students are invited to put their global knowledge to the test in the annual Academic WorldQuest competition, a flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America. The 2022 Kansas City–area tournament was held in person on Saturday, March 5, 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM at the KU Edwards Campus.

Congratulations to THE 2022 AWQ Winner BIshop Seabury Academy

Interested in participating next year? Please fill out the 2023 AWQ Interest Form.

What is Academic WorldQuest?

Each year since 2006, the IRC has offered high school students the chance to showcase their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and world events. Area high schools may register one or more teams of four students plus a faculty sponsor, and multiple teams from the same school may share a sponsor. Participation is entirely cost-free for schools. The winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the students and their sponsor to participate in the national Academic WorldQuest competition in late April.

Why should schools participate?

Academic WorldQuest offers numerous benefits for students and teachers, including:

Exploring global topics and issues that are compatible with and enhance the study of many existing curricula and AP courses
Preparing for future international studies and careers in the global economy
Interacting with area students and teachers who are interested in global affairs
Meeting representatives from area companies and universities and hear about future international opportunities
Winning valuable prizes, including gift certificates for many participants and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the winning team

There is no cost for schools to register! Schools may register one or more teams of four students plus a faculty sponsor, and multiple teams from the same school may share a sponsor. In addition, entire classes are welcome to use the study materials and explore competition topics together.

What do participants say about their experience?

“I had a great time, learning about many issues and countries in the world while meeting people who have personal involvement and investment in solving these issues. This experience intensified my passion for international relations.” – Kyle from Washburn Rural High School
“I thought it was interesting learning about different perspectives regarding subjects like Turkey and Great Decisions. I think it is important for students to learn and understand about other people different from them. I feel as Americans we live in a bubble.” – Ali from Washburn Rural High School
“Thanks to the IRC for putting on a fun and exciting competition! All of my students had a blast. We look forward to next year!” – Ms. Czarnecki from Bishop Seabury Academy

2022 tournament Prep Materials:

Official Study Guide

Study guide downloading link

Official Topics 2022

Here is the list of topics that this year’s competition will cover:

Where Climate and Migration Meet
Afghanistan: End of the 20-Year U.S.-Led Intervention
Human-Centered Agenda to the Future of Work
CDC and the Global Health Agenda
Technology and Democracy: Threat or Promise?
Great Decisions

-Global Supply Chains and National Security
-Persian Gulf Security Issues
-Brexit and the European Union
-Struggles Over the Melting Arctic
-China’s Role in Africa
-The Korean Peninsula
-Roles of International Organizations in a Global Pandemic
-The End of Globalization?

21st Century Money: Dollars to Digital Currencies
Working for Peace Through Legacies of War: The Case of Vietnam
Insecurity in China’s Neighborhood
Current Events

Teacher's Guide to Academic WorldQuest

NEW: Academic WorldQuest News & Views Mini-Series

Competition Sponsors 2022

Thank you for the generous support from Global Sponsor, University of Kansas and University of Saint Mary. For more information about sponsor packages for the next year, which will support our programming and increase your visibility and impact, please contact Matthew Hughes.