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Rivian Partners with Georgia Universities to Build a New Generation of Engineers

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 0:10 GMT by Detroit News

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Rivian Partners with Georgia Universities to Build a New Generation of Engineers

Detroit News, December 24, 2025
The electric‑vehicle (EV) pioneer Rivian has announced a sweeping collaboration with several Georgia‑based universities that aims to create a pipeline of highly skilled engineers for the rapidly expanding EV sector. The partnership, detailed in the Detroit News article, is part of Rivian’s broader strategy to solidify its presence in the southeastern United States and to help fill the talent gap that has slowed the growth of America’s electric‑vehicle industry.

A Vision for a Georgia‑Based Talent Hub

Rivian’s flagship factory is slated to open in Decatur, Georgia, next spring, and the company has pledged to hire more than 10,000 workers when the plant ramps up to full production of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV. However, a production facility is only the first step; the company needs a steady stream of engineers and technicians to keep its operations innovative and efficient.

“Georgia is the natural partner for us,” said Evan Schmidt, Rivian’s chief technology officer, in a statement released alongside the article. “The state’s universities have world‑class engineering programs, a deep pool of talent, and a culture of innovation that aligns perfectly with Rivian’s mission to deliver high‑performance electric vehicles that protect the planet.”

The partnership brings together the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Emory University, the University of Georgia (UGA), and a consortium of community colleges. The agreement, signed on November 19, involves joint curriculum development, internship and co‑op programs, research funding, and the creation of a new Rivian‑named research center on the Georgia Tech campus.

Key Components of the Partnership

1. Curriculum and Course Development

Rivian and the universities will co‑design courses that cover the full spectrum of EV technology: power‑train electronics, battery chemistry, autonomous‑driving software, and vehicle integration. The article highlights that some courses will be taught in a blended format, combining traditional lectures with virtual labs and real‑time data from Rivian’s testing facilities.

“We want students to learn the science and then immediately see its application in the real world,” said Dr. Angela Kim, director of the Georgia Tech College of Engineering. “By embedding Rivian’s cutting‑edge tools into our curriculum, we’re giving students a direct hand‑on experience that employers demand.”

2. Internships, Co‑ops, and Apprenticeships

The program will provide over 1,200 internship and co‑op slots over the next five years, covering electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing disciplines. Rivian’s engineering team will host summer internships at the new Georgia plant, while students from the universities will also be invited to work on research projects at the Rivian Research Center.

The article quotes a student‑intern, Maya Patel, who recently completed a six‑month internship at Rivian’s Georgia test track. “Working on the battery management system was a game‑changer,” she said. “I’ve been studying battery chemistry for years, but seeing how it’s integrated into a real vehicle was an entirely different experience.”

3. Scholarships and Grants

Rivian has committed $30 million in scholarships and research grants to support students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. The scholarship program includes a “Rivian Engineering Leadership” track that offers mentorship and networking opportunities with Rivian executives.

The partnership also includes a joint research grant that funds faculty‑student projects on topics such as solid‑state battery technology, advanced thermal management, and AI‑driven predictive maintenance. The article notes that the first grant cycle will award 15 projects, totaling $5 million, with a focus on projects that can be transitioned into production within five years.

4. Rivian Research Center at Georgia Tech

A centerpiece of the collaboration is the new Rivian Research Center, a 70‑k‑square‑foot lab dedicated to EV research. The center will feature a state‑of‑the‑art battery testing rig, a vehicle‑level integration testing platform, and a high‑performance computing cluster for autonomous‑driving simulation.

“Having a research center right next to the students and faculty who are already working on similar problems creates an ecosystem of innovation that is unmatched elsewhere in the country,” said Dr. Kim. “It’s not just about learning; it’s about contributing to the next breakthrough in EV technology.”

Industry and Economic Impact

The article underscores the broader economic benefits of the partnership. According to a report by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the EV sector in Georgia is projected to create an additional 15,000 jobs by 2030. Rivian’s investment in education and training is seen as a catalyst that can accelerate this growth.

“Education is the engine that drives job creation,” said James Allen, state economic development commissioner. “By aligning academic programs with industry needs, we’re ensuring that Georgia workers are ready to take on the high‑skill jobs that will come with the expansion of EV manufacturing.”

Rivian’s own financial statements, cited in the article, show a projected revenue growth of 28 % over the next five years, largely driven by the new Georgia plant and its associated supply chain. The partnership with universities is positioned as a key lever that will help maintain a competitive advantage in an industry that is becoming increasingly technology‑intensive.

Future Outlook

While the article focuses on the initial rollout of the partnership, both Rivian and the universities have indicated plans to expand the collaboration over the long term. Potential future initiatives include a dedicated “Rivian Academy” at Georgia Tech that would offer a dual‑degree program in engineering and business, and a joint venture with local automotive suppliers to develop next‑generation EV components.

“We are not just training engineers for Rivian; we are training engineers for the future of the automotive industry,” said Evan Schmidt. “If we succeed here, we will be setting a model for how industry and academia can collaborate to shape the workforce of tomorrow.”

The Detroit News article concludes with a call to action for students and faculty interested in participating: a website link (https://rivian.com/education) provides information on application deadlines, program details, and contact information for university liaisons.

In Sum

Rivian’s partnership with Georgia universities is a multi‑faceted initiative designed to address the talent gap in the electric‑vehicle sector while fostering innovation and economic growth in the southeastern United States. By combining curriculum development, internship opportunities, scholarships, and a dedicated research center, the collaboration aims to produce a highly skilled workforce that will power Rivian’s ambitious production plans and, by extension, the broader shift toward sustainable transportation.