Academic World Quest 2026

2026 Academic World Quest will take place at the McGlinn Conference Center near Alvernia University on March 12th, 2026. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading, this local competition will host teams from high schools around Berks County. In previous years we have hosted teams from Antietam, Governor Mifflin, Twin Valley, Conrad Weiser, Muhlenberg, Wilson, Exeter, Schuylkill Valley, and Wyomissing.

Founded in 2003, Academic World Quest is a team game testing high school students’ knowledge of international affairs. Four-person teams compete by answering questions divided into ten unique an engaging thematic categories. The winner is the team with the most correct answers.

Students prepare for the competition by studying ten select categories and numerous related sources provided by the World Affairs Council of America. These categories reflect several of the most critical global and US foreign policy issues. In addition, students are responsible for studying areas of Great Decisions and Current Events.

Winners of the local competition qualify to attend the National Competition, attended by 200-250 of the nation’s most promising high school students. This 4-hour competition is a unique opportunity for students to visit the nation’s capital, confer with global affairs dignitaries and like-minded students.

AWQ is supported in the greatest part by the five Institutions of Higher Education in our county and other donors. This is AWQ’s 22nd year in Berks County, thanks to these generous sponsors.