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. During the 2018 AWQ, students had the opportunity to talk to students in Congo through live, video streaming, working with the Eastern Congo Initiative and our partners at Inspired Classrooms, while a panel of international students from the University of Montana discussed their different cultures. AWQ students also collaborated in small groups as they worked together to solve a “Global Team Challenge” developed by the Davidson Honors College.

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 addition, AWQ provides students from the winning team with a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Montana, courtesy of the University President’s Office.

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: 2020 Academic WorldQuest will be held on Monday, March 2nd and Tuesday, March 3rd

We are proud to announce the 2020 Academic WorldQuest will be free to all schools! Registration will open on Monday, September 16th, 2019. Please contact Nikki Geiszler, Programs Director, at ngeiszler@montanaworldaffairs.org or (406) 728-3328 if you have any questions.