Academic WorldQuest™

Congratulations to the outstanding Del Valle Legal Cardinal Team for their first place finish at the 2024 Central Texas Regional Academic WorldQuest Competion! 

Winning teams from the Austin metropolitan area (Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties) have placed in the top seven at the national competition, and as high as 4th place in America!

The Central Texas regional AWQ competition will take place from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday February 15, 2025.  The partner organizations for the competition are the World Affairs Council of Austin, Austin Community College, the Center for European Studies, and Hemispheres: The International Outreach Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin.

Each team is comprised of currently enrolled students from the same high school.  Please prepare to REGISTER your high school team for the Central Texas regional competition on or before February 5, 2025.   We look forward to a wonderful school year, and wish all our educators and students the best of luck!

What is the Carlos and Malú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest™?
One of the greatest challenges facing our nation and schools across the country is preparing our youth for the interconnected world of the 21st century. America’s ability to face economic and security challenges, and seize new opportunities is dependent on an educated and informed workforce.  The Carlos and Malú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest™ is a unique opportunity to expose our youth to the world outside our borders and prepare them for unanticipated challenges and opportunities.

History
Academic WorldQuest™ is a team competition testing competitors’ knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, and culture. Participants come from high schools that collaborate with World Affairs Councils throughout the USA.

Why It Is Important
Academic WorldQuest™ prepares the next generation of American decision makers and opinion leaders to thrive in tomorrow’s world. Our national interests are deeply intertwined with those of the greater global community.  This new reality requires that we close the gap in students’ knowledge about global affairs and restore American excellence in science and math. Research has exposed some troubling signs. American science and math students  are performing well below students in other developed nations. American students are also lacking in basic knowledge of US history, world history, international geography and global issues. The mission of Academic WorldQuest™ is to help close this gap.

Program Structure
Approximately 4,000 high school students across the country participate in local competitions hosted by over 40 local World Affairs Councils in 26 states.  Local teams are provided a study guide with detailed resources on each of the categories.  The study guide helps students and teachers as they prepare for the regional and national competitions. All questions for the competitions are drawn from the resources in the study guide.

The victorious regional teams are invited to represent their high school, city, and local council at the annual Carlos and Malú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest™ Competition held in Washington, DC.  Held in April in the nation’s capitol, activities include the national competition as well as substantive programming designed to enhance each participant’s learning experience and explore their career goals.

Teachers – Coaching a Team is Easy

• Assemble a team of 4 students, with 1 or 2 alternates.
• Register for the Central Texas regional competition.
• After registration, the AWQ study guide is made available to you to help the students prepare for the AWQ competition topics.
• Attend the Central Texas regional competion with your team.  The competition will be held at ACC’s Highland Campus from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
• REGISTER YOUR TEAM HERE on/before 5:00 pm CT on February 5, 2025.

2024-2025 AWQ Topics

• The United States and Foreign Languages
• Critical Minerals in Africa
• Nontraditional Approaches to Foreign Policy
• Space and National Security
• Indigenous Peacebuilding
• Music and Globalization
• Borders and Boundaries
• Great Decisions
• Country in Focus: Mexico 2025
• Current Events

The 2025 STUDY GUIDE IS AVAILABLE HERE

To make a tax-deductible contribution to  the World Affairs Council of Austin’s regional competition, click on the DONATE button on the top of this page.