The Ultimate Global Competition
Academic WorldQuest is a fast-paced, team-based competition for high school students to test their knowledge of current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures.
The 2025 Academic WorldQuest Competition will take place February 17, 2026 at the University of Houston.
Through ten rounds of trivia, students are challenged to learn about crucial themes impacting the world around them. The winning team wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete against 90 other cities in the national Academic WorldQuest competition. Since 2023, the team representing Houston has finished no lower than 3rd place nationally.
How Does the Competition Work?
Academic WorldQuest is structured to keep students on their toes and engaged from start to finish. Here’s what to expect:
- Teams and Rounds: Each team consists of four students. The competition is divided into rounds, with each round focusing on a unique category.
- Answering Questions: Once a question is read aloud, teams have 30 seconds to discuss and submit their answer. Work together, think fast, and aim for accuracy!
- Scoring: After each round, correct answers are tallied up. The three teams with the highest scores will receive trophies, with the winning team winning a chance to move onto the National AWQ Competition
What’s at Stake?
The first-place team earns a full travel scholarship to represent Houston at the Academic WorldQuest National Competition in Washington, D.C. An unforgettable experience for students to compete against the best teams from across the country.
Why Participate?
Academic WorldQuest isn’t just a competition – it’s a transformative educational experience.
- Global Knowledge: Deepen understanding of important international issues and current events.
- Critical Thinking: Sharpen analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with teammates to tackle challenging questions.
- Prestige: Boost college applications and resumes with this impressive extracurricular activity.
- Scholarship Prize: Earn a full travel scholarship to Washington, D.C. to participate at the Academic WorldQuest National Competition.
How to Register
Ready to take on the challenge? Here’s how to get started:
- Form a Team: Create a team of four enthusiastic students.
- Register Online: Visit our registration page to sign up.
- Study Up: Once registered, you’ll receive a comprehensive study guide to help you prepare for the competition.
- Show Up and Shine: Mark your calendars for the competition date and bring your A-game!
For two consecutive years the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s teams has gotten top 3 places at the Carlos and Mulú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest National Competition in Washington D.C.
Be the Next Champion!
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