2026 CHARLES AND PRISCILLA PORTER

ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST

Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) has been the key educational focus of the World Affairs Council of the Desert since 2005 and is the flagship  program of the national network of World Affairs Councils located in more than ninety communities across the country.

Designed for high school students, AWQ is a fast-paced team competition that tests students’ knowledge of international affairs, current events, world history and culture. Approximately 4000 students compete against schools in their area organized by local World Affairs councils. 

For 2025, the ten local high schools will participate in the competition on February 12 at Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus.  

Coachella Valley High School               Palm Springs High School

Desert Hot Springs High School              Palm Valley High School

               Indio High School                       Rancho Mirage High School

         La Quinta High School                     Shadow Hills High School

   Palm Desert High School                       Xavier College Prep

The winning team will be sent by the Council to compete in the national competition April 28^th in D.C.  In 2024 Palm Desert High won the local competition and placed in the top ten at the National event.