Event offers preview of Corps experience

High school students wondering what life is like in the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets don't have to guess. They can experience it during National Leadership Challenge (NLC) from Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Matthew Ctibor, a senior from Milner, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, serves as brigade commander, the highest-ranking position in the Corps of Cadets. A few years ago, he was an NLC participant seeking to finalize his college plans.

His stepfather is a Marine, and his mother is a UNG alumna who suggested he consider the school. Ctibor attended NLC as a senior.

"Being able to come here and interact with the cadets really sealed the deal for me and showed me this is the place I want to be," Ctibor said.

Other cadets who have attended NLC have gone on to be commander for the Blue Ridge Rifles and Aggressor Company specialty units, with others holding company and battalion command positions.

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.

Thatcher Whitehouse, a freshman from Marietta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration, attended NLC in spring 2025 before enrolling at UNG a few months later. He is now in Bravo Company with two of his NLC leaders.

"It really struck me as a place that is very welcoming. NLC was a great introduction to what cadet life is like," Whitehouse said. "It was important to get to meet the cadet leaders there and hear about their experiences. I took that to heart."

NLC is open to all high school students interested in becoming a cadet. Current college students who are looking to transfer to UNG can also attend this event.

The cost for the weekend is $149 per student.

Schools have the opportunity to partner with UNG for a discounted NLC rate. Current schools with such an arrangement are:

• Mountain Area Christian Academy, Morganton, Georgia.
• Murfreesboro High School, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
• Oak Ridge Military Academy, Oak Ridge, North Carolina.
• Tuscola High School, Asheville, North Carolina.
• Valdosta High School, Valdosta, Georgia.

UNG is also willing to work with schools, students and families to bring students to NLC by offering a shuttle from the airport as well as scholarships for those with financial need.

Another opportunity to experience NLC will be March 27-29, 2026.