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McKinstry Celebrates UW Clean Energy Institute Community Capstone Showcase

McKinstry Celebrates UW Clean Energy Institute Community Capstone Showcase

McKinstry Charitable Foundation marks its multi-year support for the University of Washington Clean Energy Institute

McKinstry hosted the University of Washington Clean Energy Institute (UW CEI) Community Showcase on June 4, bringing together UW students, faculty, tribal leaders, civic organizations, government agencies and community advocates working on clean energy.

The showcase featured UW Engineering seniors presenting their Community Capstone projects, which pair student engineers with community organizations to bring clean energy solutions to life. This year’s projects helped community-serving organizations across Washington state, including neighborhood resilience hubs and tribal facilities, cut energy costs, improve resilienceand reduce carbon. Attendees also heard from community representatives and UW scholars working on the equitable adoption of clean energy technologies.

UW students presented clean energy solutions developed alongside community organizations across Washington.

Capstone teams walk guests through their work to bring clean energy to community-serving organizations.

Students, faculty and community partners gather to celebrate the work on display.

The event also celebrated the McKinstry Charitable Foundation’s multi-year support for UW CEI, a $100,000 commitment of $50,000 in 2026 and $50,000 in 2027.The funding supports UW CEI’s work to accelerate clean energy adoption across the state, including research and partnerships with underserved rural and urban communities and tribal nations.

“Clean energy research doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in communities,” said Ashley Ruiz, Vice President of Social Impact for McKinstry. “We’re glad to support students, researchers and partners working toward a cleaner, more equitable future for Washington.”

The gift builds on a long-standing partnership between McKinstry and the University of Washington. It is part of McKinstry’s Action for Impact plan, which focuses on climate, affordability and equity.