Background

Harry Leadom Sommerer was born in Philadelphia in 1885. Harry began working as a purchasing agent for the Victor Talking Machine Company, a division of RCA in Camden, New Jersey in 1909. In 1911, Harry had a son whom he named Harvey Price Sommerer. After moves of increasing responsibility in the RCA organization, Harry accepted a promotion to become the Managing Director of the Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan’s plant in Yokohama, Japan in 1930.

Harvey was convinced to join his father on this journey to Japan with Victor Talking Machine Company (later to become JVC). Harvey worked as a Buyer in the Japanese operations from 1930 – 1937. When the Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, both of the Sommerer’s moved back to Camden, NJ. Harvey became involved with ISM- Philadelphia upon his return from Japan and was heavily involved in the growth and advocacy of ISM – Philadelphia. Harvey also continued his RCA career as Chief Buyer for the Home Instrument Division until leaving RCA in 1947. Harvey passed away in 2007, bequeathing this scholarship fund to ISM-Philadelphia.

ISM - Philadelphia will annually award the $2500 Harvey Price Sommerer scholarship to two (2) students who is willing to advance the Supply Chain Profession and to also show a commitment to give back to his or her community and associates. By entrusting this scholarship fund to ISM-Philadelphia, Harvey P. Sommerer helped elevate not only purchasing but the supply chain in general. As a supporter of ISM-Philadelphia, Mr. Sommerer would want to see the same dedication from deserving students. Harvey wanted to inspire supply chain practitioners to continue to strive to give back to the supply chain profession.

This academic year, ISM- Philadelphia would like to recognize two students who are not only results-driven but also inspired to raise the stature of this profession. Each winner will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship for educational expenses. Applicants for the scholarship should compose a 500 word or less essay, showing their ideas necessary to attain success in this field. We want to see evidence of their involvement, knowledge, sincerity, and commitment to the betterment of the Supply Chain field.

Timeline

• Application due COB on November 23, 2025 - 5pm EST
• Application acceptance period: August 15 – November 23, 2025
• Applications will be reviewed in the month of November & December
• Two (2) winners will be announced at January 2026 dinner meeting

Disclaimer: ISM Philadelphia reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to modify the Harvey P. Sommerer scholarship procedure, including the dates indicated above and the selection of winner(s) in a manner it deems fair and reasonable. In an event of ten or fewer applicants, ISM Philadelphia may only choose one winner.

Eligibility

• Full-time undergraduate/graduate students in an accredited program majoring/minoring supply management or related curriculum (i.e. Supply Chain, Supply Chain Analytics, Business Management, Marketing, Product Marketing, and/or Business Accounting degrees preferred)
• Entering their junior or senior (for a 5 year program)/senior (for a 4 year program) year during the 2025 academic year or entering their first year of graduate program
• ISM Philadelphia active member at the time of award
• Available to attend the ISM Philadelphia January dinner meeting: exact date TBD
• Willing to sign a contract pledging that the monetary award will be used for educational expenses (this includes living expenses)

Upload the following supplemental documents

1. Essay - (minimum word count: 500) describing your decision to enroll in a Supply Management or related degree program and your career goals.

2. Unofficial transcript - evidence of admission into a supply management or related undergraduate/graduate degree program.

3. Resume - noting any experience in the supply management or a related profession and your anticipated graduation date.

4. Optional documentation that may be submitted with the application include letters of recommendation from faculty, evidence of school awards, activities, and honors, and any volunteer and/or leadership experience in supply management organizations.

A contract pledging that the monetary award will be used for educational expenses (this includes living expenses) will be required to sign. A contract will be sent to applicants separately once application is received