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 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 Am to 4:30 PM
Location: Northeast Regional Library, 15 Bellevoir Cir, Louisville, KY 40223
AWQ 2026 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.
David 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 $3,000 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.
Online applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026
All other materials are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026.
2026 Hershberg Scholarship Details
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The David Hershberg Scholarship was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and key figure in the creation of the Louisville International Cultural Center, now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Dr. Hershberg, a long-time faculty member in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages at the University of Louisville, was renowned for his dedication to student development, mentoring thousands throughout his career. He also served as President of the Board of the Louisville International Cultural Center and remained an active board member until his passing in 2002.
This annual scholarship provides recipients with at least $3,000 to help cover the costs of international travel, lodging, and living expenses for a minimum of 21 days of study or research abroad. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and the significance of their proposed overseas experience in advancing their personal, intellectual, and professional goals.
Administered by the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, a non-profit, member-based organization, the scholarship reflects WAC’s mission to promote cross-cultural awareness, education, and tolerance through nonpartisan discussion and engagement with current international issues. Recipients also share their experiences by presenting a 10–15 minute video or presentation at a WAC-sponsored event, helping inspire others to explore the world and engage globally.
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The purpose of this award is (1) to enable the recipient to have an international experience of at least 21 days outside the United States as part of his/her educational development and (2) to 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 any accredited institution of higher learning in Metro Louisville or the counties contiguous to Metro Louisville in both Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
This grant is also available to any full-time, degree-seeking student whose permanent residence is within the aforementioned areas but attends an accredited institution of higher learning outside the aforementioned areas (see below).
LIST OF COUNTIES THAT QUALIFY:
Southern Indiana:
Crawford
Clark
Floyd
Harrison
Jefferson
Scott
Washington
Kentucky:
Bullitt
Hardin
Henry
Jefferson
Meade
Nelson
Oldham
Shelby
Spencer
Trimble
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The following materials are to be included in the application form, which will be available at a later date.
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.
A project description of the educational activities to be pursued during the summer, e.g., research project, a language study program, work internship, course enrollment, or other. Applicants who only propose taking a set international course will receive a lower consideration by the committee. The committee is looking for applicants who are committed to significant work that will result in an experience that is truly meaningful. Sometimes an applicant might propose a combination of taking a set course, but then also adding a significant separate self-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.
Also required to apply:
Two (2) recommendation forms, at least one of which should be an academic reference on university letterhead. Please note that recommendation forms must be received by no later than the deadline.
Forms may be sent by completing the recommendation form found at the top of this page.
OFFICIAL transcripts of all post-secondary education issued from university registrars. Transcripts are to be mailed directly from the university registrar offices in a sealed envelope to the address below:
ATTN:
The David Hershberg Scholarship
World Affairs Council
223 South 5th Street, 2nd Floor
Louisville, KY 40202 -
Read stories from past Hershberg Scholarship recipients and discover how international study and research shaped their personal, academic, and professional journeys. Explore their experiences, insights, and reflections from around the world.
2026 Recipients
Hannah Limbong - Ireland, Switzerland, and Malawi
Jack McFarland - Scotland