Cadet Didicher Receives Alumnus-Sponsored Scholarship to Missouri S&T’s Jackling Intro to Engineering Summer Camp

Missouri Military Academy Cadet Peter Didicher will spend part of his summer at the Missouri S&T Jackling Introduction to Engineering Summer Camp program, thanks to a scholarship from Chris Schafer ’89, an MMA alum and graduate of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. In feature photo above, from left to right, MMA science instructor Michael Pemberton, Cadet Didicher, MMA President Richard V. Geraci and Schafer.

A junior from Hinsdale, Illinois, Didicher was chosen as the scholarship recipient based on his academic achievement, curiosity and interest in the STEM field. At camp, he will have the opportunity to learn about engineering disciplines from leaders in the field while studying alongside his peers from across the nation. Through interactive workshops, aerospace testing and problem-solving, exploration of state-of-the-art engineering materials breakthroughs, department visits, student competitions and more, he will gain practical engineering experience and learn more about what engineers do, the tools they use and how their work affects everyday life.

“We are honored to welcome MMA cadets to campus for our summer camps each year, and we are excited to be a part of their fun, educational, and inspirational engineering experience for high schoolers,” said Courtney Jones, Kummer Center for STEM Education director. “Missouri University of Science Technology and the Kummer Center for STEM Education are fortunate to have this great partnership with Missouri Military Academy for our STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) summer camps. We appreciate and applaud alums like Chris Schafer for investing in the next generation of STEM professionals by providing cadet scholarships for the Jackling Introduction to Engineering summer camp.”

Schafer’s support will cover the cost of camp, food, lodging and equipment. To Schafer, an accomplished engineer and strategic leader in the oilfield industry and currently serving as an MMA faculty member, he says the yearly scholarship is a small way that he might help “ignite the spark of STEM” in young men at the Academy.

This year marks the fourth year that Schafer has sponsored the camp scholarship.

Learn more about high school and middle school science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education at MMA. MMA's strategic plan includes a specific focus on STEAM education to prepare cadets for success in their post-high school education and future careers.