Rivian announced partnerships with five Georgia universities and institutions to prepare the next generation of workers for careers in electric vehicle manufacturing and service.
The agreements include scholarship programs at Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, as well as partnerships with the Veterans Training Empowerment Center at Fort Benning and the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair.
The initiatives come as Rivian prepares to open its second manufacturing facility in Stanton Springs North near Social Circle, Georgia, where the company plans to create 7,500 jobs by 2030 in addition to 2,000 construction jobs.
The company held the official groundbreaking ceremony at its $5 billion Georgia plant in mid-September.
The state of Georgia has invested over $1.5 billion in incentives to develop the facility, assuming Rivian will fulfill 80% of its promise to create 7,500 jobs and make the corresponding investments by 2030.
Rivian secured approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the US Department of Energy a year ago to finance construction of the plant.
CFO Claire McDonough said in October that the loan will be drawn before the company starts production in 2028, though Rivian must restart construction before being granted access to the funds.
Georgia Tech
Rivian and Georgia Tech created the first Rivian Scholars program, contributing $150,000 to provide financial support to engineering students.
Beginning in 2026, 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.
University of Georgia
Rivian partnered with the University of Georgia College of Engineering to create a pitch competition as part of UGA’s Capstone Design program and an academic scholarship.
The company will initially support the partnership with a contribution of $150,000 over three years, split evenly between the two initiatives.
Beginning in fall semester 2026, the pitch competition will give qualifying Capstone Design teams the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of Rivian judges, after which the top three teams will receive additional funding to continue their projects.
In spring semester 2027, the top three teams will give final presentations to the judges, with the winning team receiving special recognition from UGA Engineering and Rivian.
Rivian will also pledge $75,000 to a scholarship endowment with additional matching from the UGA Foundation.
“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,” said Javier Varela, Rivian‘s chief operating officer.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Launching in early 2026, the Rivian Technical Trades Program will support the training and development of qualified entry-level technicians for Rivian’s service and repair facilities.
The college will integrate exclusive Rivian learning modules into its Automotive Service Excellence standard-accredited curriculum, granting students access to Rivian‘s internal learning network, specific operational theory, and physical workbooks.
Veterans Program
The Veterans Training Empowerment Center launched the Rivian Technical Trades Program at Fort Benning. The program is designed to help veterans transitioning out of service prepare for careers in electric vehicle service and maintenance.
The first cohort will complete the 15-week program in 2026, and graduates will be offered employment opportunities by Rivian upon successful completion.
Science Fair Sponsorship
Rivian is partnering with the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, the highest-level competition in the state for aspiring STEM students in grades 6-12, by sponsoring the 2026-28 fairs with an initial investment of $25,000.
For the 2026 event, the company will present the Rivian Innovation Award, recognizing a top project.
Earlier this year, Rivian announced the establishment of its East Coast headquarters in Midtown Atlanta with plans to employ up to 500 individuals at the Beltline location.
