Sol Systems and Rivian celebrate new youth robotics program in North Carolina

Powering Education Through Partnership

Last month, the launch of Stokes County, North Carolina 4-H’s youth robotics program marked an exciting milestone made possible through a recent collaboration between Sol Systems and Rivian on the 50 MW ac Lick Creek Solar Project. Rivian and Sol Systems employees met with students in the program to engage in conversations about engineering, energy technologies, and innovation.

"By advancing work like the Lick Creek Solar Project, we are seizing a critical business opportunity to help propel our nation's electric grid into the future with more reliable electricity at lower prices for everyone,” said Andrew Peterman, Director of Advanced Energy Solutions at Rivian. “What makes this project so unique is that it provides an access point and funding to support the community more broadly, helping to invest in future engineers, scientists, and technical experts critical to the growth of the EV and energy industries.”

The new youth robotics initiative is a product of the innovative Community Impact Agreement with Sol Systems and is structured to share the benefits of energy technologies with local stakeholders. The Agreement builds on a previous transaction between Sol Systems and Pine Gate Renewables related to the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated from Pine Gate’s Lick Creek Solar Project in Walnut Cove, North Carolina.

A Collaboration with Impact Beyond Megawatts

The Sol Systems and Rivian partnership behind the Lick Creek Solar Project delivers dual benefits to the local community: it supports clean energy infrastructure while directly funding expanded access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education—an investment in both the environment and future generations. This partnership is not only a step towards enabling a cleaner energy grid with greater reliability and affordability, but also demonstrates how businesses can utilize renewable energy procurement to make strategic investments that help improve communities.

Launched in Spring 2025, the robotics program will reach an estimated 80-100 middle school students across the county. Through hands-on learning with advanced robotics kits, students can engage their creativity and critical thinking skills—experiences that can spark lasting interest in science and technology careers.

Sol Systems' Senior Director of Impact, Adaora Ifebigh assists a 4-H camper in building a solar-powered car. Photo courtesy of Rivian.

A 4-H camper proudly shows off her completed solar-powered car. Photo courtesy of Rivian.

Hands-On Learning at STOKE’d for STEM

Putting this partnership into action, Sol Systems worked with Rivian and Pine Gate Renewables to plan a special and engaging day for Stokes County 4-H’s Youth Robotics Summer Camp, STOKE’d for STEM. The experience included a tour of the Lick Creek Solar Project and engaging STEM activities, such as building their very own solar-powered racing cars. The students also had the opportunity to highlight their new skills through a “show and tell” of the robots they designed and programmed throughout the week. They even had the opportunity to explore two Rivian R1Ts up close, sparking excitement and conversations about the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and innovation.

Voices from the Partnership

"Through hands-on robotics and real-world STEM experiences, our 4-H youth are developing critical skills and confidence,” said Taylor Hartman, Director of the 4-H Robotics program. “We’re excited to see how this program inspires the next generation of thinkers and doers."

“Programs like 4-H provide youth with a powerful foundation and the opportunity to envision what's possible for their future. Whether it’s building a robot at a STEM summer camp or touring a solar site, these moments spark curiosity and show youth that a future in clean energy and technology is within reach. That’s the heart of this partnership,” said Adaora Ifebigh, Senior Director of Community Impact at Sol Systems.

“Watching groups of students help each other build robots and explore the intersection of engineering, sustainability and innovation was really inspirational,” said Ted Foos, Rivian Technical Trades Instructor. “And it was great to work with the STOKE’d for STEM team to help bring this program to life. Our hope is that everyone who participated walked away with excitement about the opportunities a career in STEM provides.”

STOKE'd for STEM 4-H campers visit the Lick Creek solar project, managed by Pine Gate Renewables. Photo courtesy of Pine Gate Renewables.

Through this partnership, we are helping build an energy grid for the future—one that is more reliable, affordable, and cleaner for everyone.