Academic WorldQuest

What is Academic WorldQuest?

Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) is a national academic competition that challenges students’ knowledge of international affairs in a fun and engaging way. In teams of four, high school students work together to answer 10 rounds of 10 multiple choice questions on critical global issues.

While in Missoula, competitors also participate in two full days of global events. One of our signature programs “Student to Student Global Conversation” allows Montana students the opportunity to talk to students in other countries around the world including Congo, Japan, and Honduras. Each year, we invite Ambassadors, Consul Generals, and Global Experts to discuss with students the AWQ topics. In 2020, we had the honor of hosting US Ambassadors (ret.) Lisa Kubiske to Honduras, Barbara Leaf to UAE, and Susan Ziadeh to Qatar.

State champions have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to represent Montana at the National AWQ Competition. While in Washington, teams are exposed to a variety of unique global experiences, such as being hosted at an embassy or receiving a tour of the State Department. This exciting program is generously sponsored and supported by The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. In case the in-person National Conference is canceled, each student from the winning team will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice.

Academic WorldQuest prepares students for the growing challenges they may face in an increasingly global, yet interconnected world.  It It is our hope that through their participation in AWQ, Montana students will have the opportunity to develop a greater sense of the world around them and the possibilities for them on the global stage.  AWQ also helps to demonstrate for the students that we are all part of a larger landscape.  AWQ is more than a competition; it is an opportunity to engage students from across Montana, in conversations and engaging analysis of international affairs and responsible global citizenship.

Now the Council’s largest education program, AWQ began in 2005 with only three teams and has grown to include almost 70 teams from around the state. Over the years, teams have traveled to Missoula from all across Montana, including Libby, Carter County, Hays-Lodge Pole, St. Regis, Gardiner, Billings, Wolf Point, Lincoln, and Noxon to participate in the competition.

Save the Date: 2021 Academic WorldQuest will be held VIRTUALLY on Monday, March 1st – Thursday, March 4th

We are proud to announce the 2021 Academic WorldQuest will be free to all schools! The educator from the winning team will receive a $500 donation to purchase international classroom materials, publications, and resources. Registration will open on Monday, September 28th, 2020. Please contact Nikki Geiszler, Programs Director, at ngeiszler@montanaworldaffairs.org or (406) 529-3565 if you have any questions.