Weekend offers glimpse of Corps

High school students who are curious about the University of North Georgia (UNG) Corps of Cadets can get an early taste of the experience and speak to current cadets during National Leadership Challenge (NLC), set for Nov. 1-3.

"It's incredible for the students to be able to talk to our current cadets," Jordan Mund, associate director of Cadet Recruiting, said. "This really sets us apart from other schools because they get to connect with our students first-hand."

NLC includes rappelling from a 60-foot rock face at Camp Frank D. Merrill, home of the Army's 5th Ranger Training Battalion, and leadership obstacle courses at Pine Valley Recreation Complex, both of which are a short drive from UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

The Legacy of Gold ceremony, where high school students learn about the Corps of Cadets, is also part of the experience. This includes learning about specialty units and other opportunities available to cadets at UNG.

Gabe Fields, a freshman from Adams, Tennessee, took part in NLC during high school. Fields is part of UNG's inaugural Cadet Leadership Preparatory Program (CLPP) at the Gainesville Campus this fall, which will prepare him to join the Corps of Cadets in fall 2025. He is pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies.

"Everyone had a great time. We were engaged and were shown everything," Fields said. "It really allowed me to sit back and focus on the things I knew I needed to focus on, whether it be my critical thinking skills or running and not getting tired after a mile. It was an amazing experience."

An additional opportunity this year is that visitors can take in The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that will be on campus throughout the weekend.

To qualify for NLC, students must be a high school student enrolled in a college preparatory program. Current college students who are looking to transfer to UNG can also attend NLC, but are required to have applied for admission to UNG prior to attending NLC.

The cost for the weekend is $149 per student.

Another opportunity to experience NLC will be April 4-6, 2025.