Rivian announces investments into Georgia education programs
Rivian has announced multiple investments into education programs in the state of Georgia, where it’s new East Coast headquarters reside via a series of press releases last week.
The company announced the establishment of its Georgia headquarters in Midtown Atlanta earlier this year. It also plans to build its next manufacturing home in Stanton Springs North near Social Circle, Georgia. It’s estimated the facility will create 7,500 jobs by 2030.
The investments include sponsorship of the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF), a trades program in partnership with the Veterans Training Empowerment Center (VTEC) at Fort Benning, a Rivian Technical Trades Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), a scholarship program at Georgia Institute of Technology, and a University of Georgia (UGA) College of Engineering competition and academic scholarship program.
Georgia Science and Engineering Fair
GSEF is the highest-level competition in Georgia for aspiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students in grades six to 12, according to a press release. Top winners earn the chance to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Rivian plans to begin sponsoring the event in 2026 and continue through 2028, with the 78th GSEF planned for March 2026 at the University of Georgia. The company has provided an initial investment of $25,000 for the sponsorship.
A Rivian Innovation Award will recognize the top project that aligns with Rivian’s mission to drive American innovation in transformative technologies.
“As Rivian’s presence in Georgia continues to grow, it’s important that we recognize the incredible talent and creativity of the state’s middle- and high-school students, who may one day become future Rivian employees,” said Rivian Director of Corporate Affairs Andrew Capezzuto, in the release. “By supporting the next generation of engineers and scientists in the Peach State, we are helping them to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow in an age dominated by rapid innovation and the rise of transformational technologies like AI and electric vehicles.”
Laura Brewer, GSEF director and program manager, said the fair is excited to welcome Rivian as a sponsor.
“Their support as an innovative, forward-thinking company underscores the value of STEM research and shows students how their work can shape the future,” Brewer said. “By partnering with Rivian, we’re empowering the next generation of researchers and developers to pursue their passions and create real-world impact.”
Veteran Technical Trades Program
Rivian’s Technical Trades Program is designed to help veterans transitioning out of service prepare for careers in electric vehicle service and maintenance, a release from the company says. The first cohort will complete the 15-week program in 2026, and Rivian will offer employment opportunities to graduates.
“As EVs become more a part of our daily lives, we must ensure there are enough experienced, trained professionals out there to handle the service and maintenance needs of these high-tech vehicles,” said Nana Danso, Rivian director of workforce development. “We are delighted to work with an organization like VTEC, which shares our deep respect for America’s servicemembers and veterans and the desire to prepare these individuals and their families for a successful career in a rapidly growing industry as they transition out of military service.”
David Gallemore, VTEC CEO, said the partnership is a turning point for America’s heroes.
“This program is more than training — it’s about opening doors to meaningful careers, strengthening families, and building resilient communities,” Gallemore says in the release. “Our vision is to expand these opportunities nationwide, ensuring that thousands of transitioning soldiers, veterans, and their loved ones have the tools, support, and pathways they need to thrive in civilian life and shape the future of our country.”
The release notes that EV service technicians require specialized skills for working with vehicles powered by advanced software and high-voltage batteries, which require special handling. Service technicians must understand EV architecture, critical systems, and how to work safely with electricity.
Rivian has two active service locations in Georgia and is adding more across the Southeast, the release says.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College program
The Rivian Technical Trades Program will launch in early 2026 at GPTC to support the training and development of entry-level technicians for Rivian’s service and repair facilities. Rivian’s exclusive training modules will be integrated into its Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standard accredited curriculum, the release says.
It will grant students access to Rivian’s internal learning network, specific operational theory, and physical workbooks.
“We are excited to formally launch the Rivian Technical Trades Program with an incredible institution like Georgia Piedmont Technical College,” said Scott Griffin, Rivian chief people officer. “Access to the best talent was a critical factor in our decision to build our next manufacturing facility in Georgia, and this is an important step in building a workforce pipeline that will serve Georgia’s advanced technology economy for years to come.”
GPTC President Tavarez Holston said the heart of the partnership is the students.
“Rivian’s investment gives them access to advanced training, industry expertise, and a clear pathway into high-demand careers,” Holston said. “That kind of opportunity changes lives. It strengthens families, lifts up our communities and ensures that the next generation of Georgia’s workforce will be skilled and ready to lead. We are grateful for the role Restoration Storehouse Center in Conyers will play in the development of our Electric Vehicle Technician program, and for the vision and support of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council, which helped conceptualize, develop and fund this work. This collaborative spirit is what drives this true transformative progress in our region.”
Rivian also plans to provide specialized technical training for the college’s instructors at the Rivian facility free of charge. GPTC and Rivian will investigate developing an internship program, aiming to create a bridge between the classroom and potential careers in the electric vehicle sector.
Georgia Tech Scholarship Program
The Rivian Scholars Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) will begin in 2026 with an initial investment of $150,000.
Rivian and Georgia Tech will work together to identify potential scholarship recipients in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Eligible awardees will be selected from the junior class. The scholarship will partially fund their tuition costs.
“The incredible depth of science and engineering talent in Georgia was hugely influential in our decision to build our next manufacturing home here,” said Rivian Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela in a release. “Through this new partnership with Georgia Tech, we are excited to offer direct financial support and work experience to some of the most talented young engineers in the country.”
Raheem Beyah, Georgia Tech’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said the program reflects the power of partnership between industry and higher education.
“It will provide students with financial support and hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world innovation,” Beyah said. We are proud to work with Rivian to advance opportunities that strengthen Georgia’s talent pipeline and drive progress in sustainable mobility.”
University of Georgia Engineering competition and scholarship
UGA and Rivian will partner to create a novel pitch competition as part of UGA’s Capstone Design program and an academic scholarship, a press release says.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, qualifying Capstone Design teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of Rivian judges. The top three teams will receive additional funding to continue their projects. In the spring of 2027, the top three teams will give final presentations to the judges, and the winning team will receive special recognition from UGA Engineering and Rivian.
Rivian will serve as an Elite sponsor of the overall Capstone Program for an initial three years.
Rivian has pledged $75,000 to a scholarship endowment with additional matching funds from the UGA Foundation. College of Engineering students will be selected with funds providing direct tuition support.
“We are delighted to join UGA in announcing this novel partnership designed to help prepare talented young engineers for the careers of tomorrow,” said Javier Varela Rivian’s chief operating officer. “We believe this partnership represents the beginning of a long relationship that encourages young Georgia-educated leaders to build the products and technologies of the future right here in the Peach State.”
Alessandro Orso, UGA College of Engineering dean, said experiential learning is a cornerstone of student education at UGA, and the partnership opens new doors for students to learn by doing, innovating, and solving real-world problems.
“We are incredibly excited to collaborate on an initiative that empowers Georgia’s future engineers with the skills, creativity, and hands-on experience they need to shape the technologies and the world of tomorrow,” Orso says in the release.
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Photo courtesy of Rivian