2025 SCM Education Partnership
Rutgers Supply Chain Management (SCM) Education Partnership program takes place June 23rd – June 27th. Submit your application today! Application deadline: June 13th.
The Rutgers Business School’s Supply Chain Education Partnership program introduces local high school students to the dynamic field of supply chain management as a potential career path. As the school year transitions into summer, the Center for Supply Chain Management engages and inspires students, guiding them toward a promising future.
This program emphasizes real-world relevance by connecting classroom concepts to everyday experiences. Through hands-on learning, including industry facility visits, students gain firsthand insight into how supply chain management is essential to businesses of all sizes, from global corporations to local enterprises.
As global economies become more connected, supply chain management (SCM) has grown in popularity as a business undergraduate major and an MBA. SCM encompasses every step involved to get products made and into the hands of consumers, from finding quality suppliers of materials to making and moving products to marketing them.
Rutgers SCM professors and guest speakers from board member companies (Pfizer, Panasonic, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, etc.) cover procurement, sustainability, inventory management, logistics and planning and forecasting. These companies represent the 'private' component in the partnership of the public, private and community sectors.
The weeklong program is also a way for the Rutgers professors to market the business school and the supply chain management major to some of the best high school students in Newark and neighboring cities.
In previous programs, students showcased remarkable creativity by developing and presenting innovative solutions in just 30 minutes. Their ideas included repurposing end-of-year school supplies into new materials, transforming vacant city lots into thriving community greenhouses, and designing personal sensors that interact with heating and cooling systems to enhance comfort. It was a truly impressive display of ingenuity and problem-solving.
Our mission is to discover and nurture talent within our local community and neighboring cities. With countless opportunities right at our doorstep, we must step up to the challenge. The Rutgers SCM program provides a strong foundation, preparing students to excel and achieve greater heights in the field of supply chain management.
High School Summer Program Schedule Overview
Below is a sample of the schedule for the Rutgers SCM High School Program:
Day 1
| Intro to Supply Chain |
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| Professor John Impellizzeri welcomes students with an introduction to Supply Chain Management (SCM) through the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model, explaining how procurement, sales and operations planning, distribution, and demand management work together to drive business efficiency. Students gain valuable insight into key industry practices and their real-world impact. Additionally, a guest speaker from one of our corporate partners provides an in-depth look at demand planning, covering essential topics such as demand forecasting and inventory management. |
| Team Exercise: Students will collaborate to map out the supply chain of a McDonald’s French Fry, from raw materials to the customer. |
Day 2
| Global Procurement and Sourcing Strategies |
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| Students are introduced to procurement and the critical role of strategic sourcing in supply chain management. They learn how to evaluate suppliers based on key factors such as cost, quality, lead time, and location, gaining a deeper understanding of how these elements impact business success. Through real-world examples and industry insights, they explore effective techniques for selecting suppliers across different industries, preparing them for strategic decision-making in supply chain operations. Students participate in Excel Certificate Training, covering fundamental Excel functions and practical applications essential for data analysis and supply chain management. |
| Team Exercise: Students apply sourcing strategies to choose suppliers for a simulated product launch and present their recommendations. |
Day 3
| Sustainability and Industry Insights |
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| Students will embark on a guided tour for a firsthand look at supply chain operations in action. They will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, ask questions, and participate in discussions about real-world supply chain challenges and solutions. Additionally, the class will be joined by the Mandela Fellowship, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. Students will also attend a session on sustainable supply chain practices, with a special focus on zero-waste innovations and their impact on the future of the industry. Excel training will continue and students are presented with more functions and features. |
| Team Exercise: Students will brainstorm sustainable project ideas. |
Day 4
| Manufacturing and Practical Application |
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| Students explore key manufacturing concepts, including production processes, lean manufacturing, and automation. They examine operational challenges such as supply chain disruptions, quality control, and cost management. Through real-world examples and case studies, they gain insight into how manufacturing strategies impact efficiency, sustainability, and business success. Excel Certificate Training continues with a review session and the Excel Level 1 examination. |
| Team Exercise: Students apply what they learned through a hands-on manufacturing scenario. |
Day 5
| Logistics, Careers and Graduation |
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| Students engage in a discussion on logistics and transportation with a board executive, covering inventory management, transportation strategies, and logistics technology. An admissions officer provides an overview of Rutgers Business School, followed by career insights on resumes, networking, and personal branding. The program concludes with closing remarks and certificate distribution by Professor John Impellizzeri. |
| Team Exercise: Students apply logistical strategies in a simulated scenario and present their logistics solution. |
School News
This story originally appeared in Rutgers Today. It was written by Dory Devlin.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this program, please contact the program at cscm@business.rutgers.edu or 973-353-1218.