On April 24, 2024, 9th and 10th grade students from Lincoln High School in Seattle, WA hosted an exciting IGNITE Electric Vehicles Workshop. The event featured Volunteers from Rivian, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, and the Rivian Technical Trades Program.
The Workshop kicked off with a vehicle exploration activity where students had the chance to interact with the Rivian R1S SUV, led by Nollan Worrell, Lead Technical Trades Automotive Instructor, and Natalie Flores, Lead Technical Trades Program Manager. This experience allowed students to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s advanced features—plus have fun using the center display to play music, adjusting the seats, and posing questions about the vehicle’s design and components on the spot! A highlight was climbing into the “frunk” (front trunk) and exploring the back-end storage area while they learned about the electric vehicle’s engineering.
The event culminated in a panel discussion with Rivian professionals, who joined virtually from all over the U.S. The Panelists included Elyse Rebelo, Manager, Field Service Engineering, Jenna TenBrook, Technical Trades Instructor, Manufacturing Specific Advance Training, and Lilly Macaruso, Engineer. Students asked questions about daily life in the automotive industry, the most challenging vehicles the Panelists had worked on, and the educational paths that led to their careers. Each Panelist shared their personal journeys, offering advice on high school studies and insights into the challenges and rewards of their roles. The authenticity and openness of the Panelists, including a transgender Panelist who shared their story of finding their voice within the industry, made a significant impact on the students.
The Rivian Volunteers were not only knowledgeable but also warm and encouraging, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Their stories of professional growth and personal experiences resonated with the students. The event highlighted the opportunities for success and advancement within Rivian, leaving students inspired and more informed about potential careers in STEM and the automotive industry in particular!
We extend our thanks to Nollan Worrell and Natalie Flores for leading the engaging activities throughout the event, and to our Panelists Elyse Rebelo, Jenna TenBrook, and Lilly Macaruso for sharing their invaluable insights and experiences with IGNITE Students. Additional thanks to Educator Wyn Pottinger-Levy for empowering your students through the IGNITE Program.
After attending this event:
100%
of students are interested in STEM
86%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
82%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
82%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“I learned about all the different options you have in the automotive field. My favorite part was learning about all the features of the Rivian vehicle and how the brakes work.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“All of the girls participating were very inspired, which was really cool! Seeing this was awesome. The cohesion between the different groups for the car was awesome to learn about, as well as the pathways. The volunteers were so cool and inviting!” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was very interesting exploring the car; it was very comfy. I really liked hearing from everyone about their experiences. It was awesome hearing how everyone got into their fields. Also, the light in the door was the size of the vehicle battery pack.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Getting to look at the car close up and seeing the different features felt really cool. Now I’m very interested in the design aspect of STEM. Rivian is really sustainable with their design choices. I thought it was interesting that people came together to decide the stitching on the seats.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I saw a lot more about the careers at Rivian. I found out a lot more about a job in engineering with electric cars.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today it was really cool to see the car and learn how much thought went into the design. I really liked the sustainability aspect. There is a small flashlight that is the size of one of the 7,777 batteries. It was very nice to have volunteers here. They let us do so many cool things with the car.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It’s a lot of fun doing engineering. I love knowing more info about cars.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event let me know how many different people and jobs go into cars, which I hadn’t thought of before. It inspired me to look more into engineering. I learned about the different jobs and careers of the panelists, which was really inspiring. Thank you to all the volunteers and panelists. It was really fun!” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned a lot about what working at Rivian is like. I also learned about the pathways people can take to get there. My favorite thing I learned was how the engineers first developed an interest in the field. For example, one panelist liked taking things apart as a kid.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I was already interested in STEM, but seeing STEM experts that were also gender-diverse was inspiring! I feel better about my future. I can fit inside the Rivian front storage panel. Also, master cylinders are very important.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to hear the volunteers talk about how they got into their careers – you don’t need to know what you’re doing at first, just be passionate and try to learn as much as you can. My favorite thing was learning about the different features of the Rivian car.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
About Rivian:
Rivian is an American automotive manufacturer that develops and builds category-defining electric vehicles and accessories. The company creates innovative and technologically advanced products that are designed to excel at work and play with the goal of accelerating the global transition to zero-emission transportation and energy. Rivian vehicles are built in the United States and are sold directly to consumer and commercial customers. The company provides a full suite of services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle and stay true to its mission to keep the world adventurous forever. Whether taking families on new adventures or electrifying fleets at scale, Rivian vehicles all share a common goal — preserving the natural world for generations to come. Learn more about the company, products, and careers at www.rivian.com.
About IGNITE Program Workshop Events:
In-Person Workshops are held at the students’ school with a group of company volunteers. These volunteers lead students through a hands-on STEM experience in small groups and then students in an IGNITE Panel and Q&A discussion.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at www.igniteworldwide.org.
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