BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fuel Alabama (FuelAL), a statewide talent attraction and retention initiative of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has selected 11 host communities to lead its 2026 summer programming.
The program connects college students and interns with Alabama’s industries, culture and communities through immersive experiences designed to position the state as a premier destination to launch a career and build a life.
The following communities will serve as 2026 FuelAL Summer Host Communities: Auburn and Opelika; Birmingham and Hoover; Calhoun County; Dothan; Huntsville and Madison; Marengo County; Mobile; Montgomery; Selma; The Shoals; and Tuscaloosa.
Throughout the summer, participating students will engage in curated programming beyond the traditional 9-to-5 internship experience. Activities include executive roundtables, industry treks, community service projects and networking events. The program provides professional development, mentorship opportunities and exposure to Alabama’s diverse regions and key industries.
“FuelAL is about connection — connecting students to opportunity, industry to talent and communities to their future workforce,” said Estes Hughes, vice president of innovation and talent at EDPA. “Each of these host communities plays a critical role in showcasing what makes Alabama a place where young professionals can thrive. By creating experiences that are both professionally meaningful and personally engaging, we are strengthening our long-term talent pipeline across the state.”
FuelAL is a flagship program of EDPA and reflects the organization’s broader strategy to strengthen Alabama’s workforce through innovation and collaboration.
In addition to summer community programming, FuelAL includes school-year leadership cohorts through Anchor Tuscaloosa and Anchor Auburn, which select student leaders for community-based engagement during the academic year. The initiative also includes the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Program, which expands paid internship access and entrepreneurial exposure for students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across Alabama, and statewide FuelAL Industry Summits hosted by EDPA that spotlight high-growth sectors including aerospace and defense, mobility, information technology, bioscience, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Since its inception, FuelAL has engaged almost 2,000 students statewide, helping reshape perceptions of Alabama as a destination for early-career professionals.
To learn more or apply for 2026 summer community programming, visit fuelalabama.com.
About Fuel Alabama
Fuel Alabama (FuelAL) is a statewide talent attraction and retention initiative led by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama. Through summer community programming, school-year leadership cohorts, HBCU innovation internships and statewide industry summits, FuelAL connects college students and early-career professionals with Alabama’s communities, industries and professional networks. By fostering meaningful relationships and immersive experiences, FuelAL strengthens Alabama’s workforce and advances long-term economic growth.
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