Inspiring Growth Through Challenge and Connection
Venture Outdoor Leadership empowers students through hands-on, adventure-based experiences that build confidence, leadership, and a deep sense of community. Whether it’s their first night under the stars or their hundredth mile on trail, students learn to lead—with integrity, resilience, and purpose.
Your gift helps make these life-changing experiences possible and accessible for all.
Make programs more affordable for all students. Help us outfit students through our gear library. The library is free of charge to any participant of our programs. It provides the technical clothing and equipment they need. We are always in need to refreshing our stock as they are washed, worn, and retired.
Fund scholarships and grants that allow student leaders to attend professional conferences, present their research, or even achieve their Wilderness First Responder certification.
For the Love of Charlotte campaign or go to
https://give.charlotte.edu/ascendportal/s/give
In the “Designation” section, click “Show More +”
Search for and select “Venture Program”
✅ All donations are tax-deductible.
❤️ Every gift—of any size—makes a difference.
By Micah Jordan, Communications Assistant for Student Affairs
For Ulysses Ungos, UNC Charlotte was more than just a place to earn a degree — it was where he found a community that shaped the way he approaches life, leadership and connection.
Ungos, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in electrical engineering and went on to earn his master’s in 2022, took a different path to Charlotte. After serving five years of active duty in the Navy, he wasn’t entirely sure what his next steps would be.
While he found friendship and camaraderie within the engineering department, another unexpected community took shape when he discovered Venture.
His involvement with Venture was a slow build rather than an instant love story. He took a foundational class, learning the principles of outdoor leadership while gradually becoming more involved. Over time, he connected with others who shared similar interests, and before he knew it, he was immersed in the experience.
“Venture helped me slow down and see the bigger picture,” he said. “It taught me to be intentional in a lot of things, to be okay with failing and to always look for ways to grow.”
When asked what he would want current UNC Charlotte students to know about Venture, Ungos’ answer was simple but powerful.
“Go in with passion and keep the stakes low. If you want the experience, you’ll get so much out of it,” he said. “I went in for the outdoor adventures, but I came out with people I love and lessons I’ll carry with me forever. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
By Wyatt Crosher
Sonja Langford arrived at UNC Charlotte as a non-traditional student, starting her undergraduate path in her mid-20s with the primary goal of being able to attend classes while maintaining her full-time job outside of the University.
During her first two years as a commuter student, Langford found few significant incentives to stay on campus longer than her courses required. Then she found Venture.
It was a discovery that she said changed her undergraduate experience for the better.
“I went through some life changes, and I was trying to find things to do to get more involved, and I discovered Venture because they were offering some outdoor adventure trips,” Langford said. “I joined, and I ended up extending my stay at Charlotte. I could have graduated in three years, but I stayed an extra year just to be a part of Venture and to add that as a minor.”
That community aspect is the underappreciated part of what Venture brings to Charlotte, according to Langford. While the courses and adventures are exciting on their own, it is that extra component of working together and forming relationships that makes the experience special.
“It's like a bait-and-switch but in the best way, because you think you're going for one thing and you get it, and then if you want to engage in this other incredible opportunity for connection and feeling a sense of belonging, that’s also possible,” Langford said. “I think when you bump into Venture and you're like, ‘Oh, this is really cool,’ it's not just about rock climbing. It's also about learning to become a better person, a better leader, gaining interpersonal skills and feeling like everyone else is also centered around those things.”