Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future: City College of San Francisco Visits Mainspring Energy through the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative
NOVEMBER 2024
Last Wednesday, 20 engineering and computer science students, faculty, and staff from City College of San Francisco (CCSF) visited clean energy company Mainspring Energy as part of the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative’s worksite visit series. The visit aimed to introduce students to real-world STEM applications, inspiring their academic and career journeys by connecting them directly with industry leaders and innovative technologies.
Mainspring Energy, known for its flexible, low-emission generators that support companies transitioning to clean energy, provided the perfect backdrop for this immersive experience. The visit was part of the K16 Collaborative’s mission to bridge community college pathways into STEM careers, and was crafted through an iterative process of co-design with employers and educators on the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative Steering Committee.
An Engaging Day of Exploration and Connection
Mainspring organized the day to provide a balanced blend of exploration and interaction. Students and professors toured Mainspring's R&D and manufacturing facilities in groups of ten, allowing for personalized discussions with Mainspring engineers on sustainable technology and real-world problem-solving.
The tour was particularly useful for engineering students Zeyang Luo, who shared that “being able to see the generator in person helped me quickly relate to what I am learning,” and Robert Raya, who noted that the tour highlighted “practical applications of engineering and environmental science education.”
One of the highlights was a panel organized by Mainspring’s Ben Sandstrom, featuring a Q&A session where CCSF students (special shout outs to CS majors Tea Priel and Yoko Lu!) asked thoughtful questions on everything from air pressure tolerances and cybersecurity concerns to broader queries about the private sector’s role in driving sustainable energy innovation.
Crucially, the visit also included a networking lunch with a one-to-one ratio of Mainspring employees to students, fostering direct, meaningful connections. This opportunity for individual engagement reinforced the day’s goal of bridging the educational and professional worlds for CCSF’s aspiring STEM leaders.
Special Thanks and Employer Perspectives
SVLG Foundation and the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative extends its gratitude to Mainspring’s team—especially Ben Sandstrom, Cecilia Reyes, and Lucy Kaye—for their commitment to making the event impactful beyond the day itself. Ben shared that creating hands-on exposure for community college students can spark lasting interest in their fields, and graciously spoke to the importance of having an intermediary like SVLG convene industry with educators to translate, set high expectations, and drive the relationship forward.
Mainspring’s thoughtfulness in structuring the day reflects a shared dedication to mentoring and supporting the next generation of engineers and technologists. Through visits like these, CCSF, Mainspring, and the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative are building pathways for diverse talent, helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for Silicon Valley.