This summer, more than a dozen high school students from Tennessee and three other states will participate in the first-ever Supply Chain Management (SCM) Summer Camp, which runs from July 9–14 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The six-day camp is organized in partnership with the Haslam College of Businesses’ Office of Community and Diversity Relations and aims to introduce rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented communities to the dynamic world of supply chain management.
“By providing these opportunities to students who have traditionally been underrepresented in supply chain management, we are helping level the playing field and drive positive change within the industry,” said Cole Burns, director of SCM career management for Haslam. “It is through initiatives like the SCM Summer Camp that we can actively bridge the diversity gap, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant university and business community.”
Attendees will take part in interactive lectures and activities led by UT’s highly regarded business faculty. Sara Hsu, clinical associate professor of supply chain management, will teach students about procurement and negotiation. Assistant professor Justin Kistler will present on the topic of manufacturing. Alex Scott, recently named the Gerald T. Niedert Professor, will lead sessions on distribution and transportation. The keynote speaker is Ryder Professor Yemisi Bolumole, a prominent transportation researcher and leading woman in supply chain management. Beyond learning from faculty, students will gain insights from successful business leaders like Wendi Gentry-Stuenkel, vice president of procurement for Caterpillar Inc., and participate in a captivating case study, led by representatives from Ryder, that will pull together all of their learning from the week. As part of the camp, they will learn about the benefits of majoring in business from George Drinnon, Haslam’s assistant dean of undergraduate programs, and participate in ACT and college preparation sessions.
Listen to Wendi Gentry-Stuenkel speak about leadership on the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management podcast.
One of the key highlights will be immersive site visits to Supply Chain Forum partners Bush Brothers & Company, PepsiCo, and Axle Logistics, where they will witness firsthand the real-world applications of what they’ve learned throughout the camp.
In addition to these enriching learning opportunities, participants will engage in teambuilding, leadership, and recreational activities every night of the camp. They will also have the opportunity to connect with current SCM students who will serve as peer mentors throughout the week.
The Global Supply Chain Institute team recognizes the sponsors whose generous support has made the SCM Summer Camp possible:
“We are immensely grateful for our sponsors who have stepped up to support high school students, enabling us to create potentially life-changing opportunities,” said Thomas Deakins, GSCI director. “With the access they’ve been given to college and business learning environments, we hope we’re empowering the next generation of supply chain leaders.”
Follow along with the camp on Instagram.