Missouri Military Academy (MMA) 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.

A junior from Hinsdale, Ill., 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.

“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,” said Courtney Jones, Kummer Center for STEM Education director. “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.