WAC Education
Education is at the heart of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s mission. Through programs like the statewide Academic WorldQuest™ competition, the David Hershberg Scholarship for study and research abroad, and access to our speaker and international visitor programs, we help students broaden their global perspective while providing educators with resources to strengthen cultural competency and prepare the next generation of informed, engaged global citizens.
Academic WorldQuest™
Each year, World Affairs Councils around the United States host Academic WorldQuest competitions for high school students. Academic WorldQuest™ tests players’ knowledge of current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures.
The World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts students from the Kentuckiana area to participate each Spring. Teams of four (4) study for a chance to compete on the national level in Washington D.C. against other regional winners.
Date: March 13, 2027
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
AWQ 2027 Details
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Academic WorldQuest™ (AWQ) is a team-based competition for high school students that tests knowledge of international affairs, world history, geography, and current events. Teams answer 100 multiple-choice questions across 10 sections, covering topics like diplomacy, global economics, and cultural understanding. AWQ encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and global awareness, helping students explore world issues and prepare to be informed, engaged global citizens.
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Each school can field 2 teams of 4 players with 1 substitute.
Teams compete by answering 10 rounds of 10 multiple-choice questions.
Participants prepare for the competition by studying an online study guide.
In the case of a tie, the competition can go into a tiebreaker round of 10 multiple-choice questions and then a sudden death round of five questions that require write-in answers.
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Pop Culture and Soft Power in International Relations
The FIFA World Cup
Migration and Immigration
The U.S. Constitution and Foreign Policy
The Belt and Road Initiative
Tariffs and Trade
Coffee and Chocolate: A Global Perspective
Nuclear Policy Issues
Focus Country: Australia
Current Events
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Teams are not allowed to consult with the audience, wireless devices, cell phones, other teams, books, or written materials at any point during the competition.
Any team found by World Affairs Council judges, runners, or staff to be violating this rule will forfeit that round and a penalty of 20 points will automatically be deducted from that team’s score.
If a team believes another team is cheating, they may tell a WAC representative. However, if the other team is not found to be in violation of any rules, the accusing team will forfeit two (2) points.
A team consists of four (4) players. Player substitutions are not allowed. A player can only use the bathroom during the break. If a player leaves at any other point during the rounds, he or she cannot return until after the break.
Parents, alternates, and other guests must remain “off the floor” at all times.
The David and Roberta Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad
Each year, the World Affairs Council offers an annual scholarship supporting students pursuing international study or research. The scholarship awards recipients at least $4,000 to help cover the costs of international travel, lodging, and living expenses for a period of at least 21 days outside the United States.
The program encourages students to deepen their global understanding through immersive academic or research experiences abroad, helping the next generation of globally minded leaders gain firsthand international perspective.
All materials are due by 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 28, 2027.
Awards will be announced in mid-March for intended programs to take place between May-Sept 2027.
2027 Hershberg Scholarship Details
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Established by the Hershberg family and administered by the World Affairs Council of KY & So. IN, the David & Roberta Hershberg Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students in the Louisville Metro area pursuing global education opportunities. The scholarship advances the Council’s mission to foster intercultural understanding through collaboration, coalition-building, meaningful programming, and greater community engagement.
A selection committee evaluates applications on the basis of academic merit and the importance of study abroad for the personal, intellectual, and professional development of each candidate.
Scholarship funds of at least $4000 can be used to help offset the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for a period of at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States.
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The purpose of this award is to:
Enable recipients to have a global experience of at least 21 days outside the U.S. as part of his/her educational development; and
Provide an opportunity for the recipient to further his/her knowledge of cultures, languages, and societies in other parts of the world.
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Eligibility for this scholarship is limited to:
Any full-time degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited higher learning institution within the Louisville Metro area and surrounding counties. The student must be fully enrolled through the duration of their abroad program.
A full-time degree-seeking student whose permanent residence is outside the region and attends university within the area.
KY & SO. IN COUNTIES QUALIFYING AS PERMANENT RESIDENCE:
Kentucky:Bullitt
Hardin
Henry
Jefferson
Meade
Nelson
Oldham
Shelby
Spencer
Trimble
Southern Indiana:Crawford
Clark
Floyd
Harrison
Jefferson
Scott
Washington
Selected recipients of the David & Roberta Hershberg Scholarship are required to present a 10-15 minute video or slide presentation on their overseas experience at a WAC-hosted event within 12 months of returning
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To apply for the David and Roberta Hershberg Scholarship, candidates must submit all appropriate documentation to WAC, which is to be received by no later than Sunday, February 28, 2027.
One (1) copy of each of following materials is required to be included in the Online Application:
A resume indicating relevant academic and work experience plus any previous international experiences.
A personal statement (maximum 500 words) explaining the reasons for wishing to study abroad and outlining what the candidate hopes to achieve by participating in this program. The committee looks for creative programs that can make a positive contribution to society as well as to their academic program and career path. For examples of past funded projects, visit our website for details.
A description of the proposed educational activities to be pursued internationally, such as an independent research project, language study, work internship, course enrollment, or other educational endeavor. The committee places particular value on applicants who take initiative in developing their own educational experience, rather than simply participating in established programs. Applicants proposing only to enroll in a pre-existing international course or program will receive lower consideration. The strongest proposals will demonstrate significant student-driven planning and effort to create a meaningful learning experience. Applicants may incorporate an existing course or program into their proposal, provided they also include a substantial, independently developed component.
A travel itinerary and estimated budget, specifying additional sources of funding to which the candidate will have access and/or for which they intend to apply.
Two (2) Recommendations, at least one of which is from an academic source (university faculty or advisor), filled out through our Recommendation Form.
Official transcripts from current and past higher-ed institutions sent electronically from your university’s registrar's office directly to us at education@worldkentucky.org.
Online applications, recommendations, and transcripts must be submitted and received electronically by the Council by Sunday, February 28, 2027. Transcripts may be mailed upon individual request but must be received by the application deadline. No exceptions will be allowed.
Upon request (only), transcripts may be mailed to:
ATTN:
World Affairs Council
The David & Roberta Hershberg Scholarship233 S. 5th Street
LOUISVILLE, KY 40202
(502) 561-5422
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Student Applications, Recommendation Forms, and Official Transcripts must be submitted electronically. Links to each submission can be found below. If you have difficulty sending official transcripts electronically, please reach out to the WAC office, and you may send them by mail directly from the registrar’s office. These documents must be received by the application deadline. Copies will not be accepted.
Upon request (only), transcripts may be mailed to:
World Affairs Council
The David & Roberta Hershberg Scholarship233 S. 5th Street
LOUISVILLE, KY 40202
(502) 561-5422