Rivian is putting fresh money into Georgia’s education system, rolling out a series of investments aimed at students, veterans, and future engineers as the electric vehicle maker deepens its roots in the state. The move links classrooms, technical colleges, and universities to the company’s long-term plans in Georgia.
From Headquarters to Classrooms Across the State
Rivian confirmed the education-focused investments through several press releases issued last week. The announcement follows the company’s decision earlier this year to establish its East Coast headquarters in Midtown Atlanta, a move that signaled Georgia’s growing pull as an EV and clean-tech hub.
Beyond its corporate offices, Rivian plans to build its next major manufacturing facility at Stanton Springs North near Social Circle. The site is expected to generate as many as 7,500 jobs by 2030, a figure that has drawn attention from state leaders and workforce planners alike.
Education, Rivian executives say, is a key piece of that growth story. Training talent early, supporting technical skills, and strengthening engineering pipelines all feed into the company’s broader workforce needs.
And yes, it’s also about being a good neighbor.
Supporting STEM Talent at the State’s Top Student Competition
One of the most visible investments involves the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, widely known as GSEF. The competition is the highest-level STEM event in Georgia for students in grades six through 12, drawing top young researchers from across the state.
Rivian will begin sponsoring the fair in 2026 and continue through 2028. The 78th annual GSEF is scheduled for March 2026 at the University of Georgia, marking the start of the partnership.
The company has committed an initial $25,000 to support the fair.
A new Rivian Innovation Award will also be introduced, recognizing a student project that aligns with Rivian’s mission around American innovation and transformative technologies.
Andrew Capezzuto, Rivian’s director of corporate affairs, said supporting young talent is a natural extension of the company’s expanding presence in Georgia.
He noted that today’s middle- and high-school students could very well become Rivian employees down the line, especially as industries tied to electric vehicles and artificial intelligence continue to grow.
Laura Brewer, GSEF director and program manager, welcomed the sponsorship, calling it a strong signal to students that their research can lead to real-world impact.
Veterans at the Center of Technical Workforce Plans
Another major piece of Rivian’s education push focuses on veterans transitioning out of military service. Through a partnership with the Veterans Training Empowerment Center at Fort Benning, the company is launching a Technical Trades Program designed to prepare veterans for careers in electric vehicle service and maintenance.
The program targets hands-on skills. Think diagnostics, repair, and advanced EV systems that are increasingly common across the auto industry.
The first cohort is expected to begin training soon, according to company materials.
For Georgia, which is home to a large veteran population, the initiative connects two priorities at once: workforce development and veteran employment. State officials have long emphasized the value veterans bring to advanced manufacturing and technical roles, especially in sectors that demand discipline and precision.
This program fits neatly into that picture.
Building Skills at Georgia’s Technical Colleges
Rivian is also investing directly in Georgia’s technical college system. A Rivian Technical Trades Program is being established at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, creating another pathway into EV-related careers.
The focus here is practical training. Students will gain experience relevant to modern manufacturing and vehicle servicing, fields where demand is expected to rise sharply as electric vehicles take up more space on American roads.
While details on enrollment numbers and timelines are still emerging, the partnership highlights how technical colleges are increasingly central to Georgia’s economic strategy.
These schools often serve students who want fast, job-ready skills without the cost or time commitment of a four-year degree. For companies like Rivian, that makes them invaluable.
Scholarships and Competitions at Georgia’s Top Universities
Rivian’s investments don’t stop at K-12 or technical education. The company is also launching scholarship and competition programs at some of Georgia’s flagship universities.
At the Georgia Institute of Technology, Rivian is supporting a scholarship initiative aimed at engineering students. Georgia Tech has long been a powerhouse in engineering and applied sciences, producing graduates who feed directly into advanced manufacturing, mobility, and technology firms.
Meanwhile, at the University of Georgia, Rivian is backing a College of Engineering competition alongside an academic scholarship program. These efforts are designed to encourage innovation while easing financial barriers for students pursuing engineering degrees.
University officials say industry-backed scholarships often make a difference in retention, especially for students from rural or lower-income backgrounds.
And frankly, competition-based learning tends to sharpen skills in ways lectures alone don’t.
Why Education Matters to Rivian’s Georgia Strategy
Rivian’s education investments arrive as Georgia positions itself as a national player in electric vehicle manufacturing. The state has already attracted multiple EV and battery-related projects, and competition for skilled workers is heating up.
By supporting education at multiple levels, Rivian is effectively investing in its future labor pool.
The approach is layered:
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Early exposure through STEM competitions
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Skills training via technical colleges and veteran programs
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Advanced engineering support through university scholarships
It’s a long game, basically. Build interest early, develop skills locally, and keep talent in-state.
Company leaders have framed the strategy as both economic and civic-minded. Strong schools and training programs help communities, but they also make Georgia more attractive for long-term corporate investment.
A Signal to the Broader Business Community
Rivian’s announcement may also carry a message for other companies watching Georgia. As large employers move in, expectations around community engagement are rising.
Education partnerships are increasingly seen as a baseline, not a bonus.
For Georgia, that trend could mean deeper ties between industry and schools, more funding for hands-on learning, and clearer pathways from classroom to career.
The real test will come over time. Scholarships must be awarded. Programs need students. Jobs have to materialize.
