EDPA Announces Expanded HBCU Innovation Internship Program for Fall 2024

Birmingham, AL – September 3, 2024 – The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., and Innovate Alabama, is thrilled to announce the launch of the second iteration of the HBCU Innovation Internship Program. This fall, the program will welcome an expanded cohort of eight talented interns, marking a significant growth from the inaugural session.

Building on the success of the inaugural program, which concluded in April 2024, this new cohort will benefit from placements with both returning and new employer partners. The program now includes three additional employers: Analytical AI, the Alabama Business Intelligence Center, and Chambers County Innovation Center, alongside the original six partners of Techstars EnergyTech Accelerator, Prosper HealthTech Accelerator, Innovation Depot, HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, Immediate and Decatur-Morgan County E-Center.

Key highlights for the upcoming fall session include:

• Eight interns are placed across a diverse range of tech companies.
• Three new employer partners joining the initiative.
• One intern from the inaugural cohort has secured a full-time position due to his performance and introductions made by Prosper HealthTech Accelerator.
• One returning intern will be placed with a new partner organization.
• Fourteen interns have been impacted by the program over the past year, underscoring its growing reach and effectiveness.

The program is proud to continue and build upon partnerships with four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Alabama: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Miles College, Shelton State Community College, and Tuskegee University.

“The HBCU Innovation Internship Program stands as a testament Alabama’s commitment to diversifying the tech talent pipeline and fostering innovation throughout the state,” said Jason Watters, Workforce Development Coordinator (Alabama Power), who has helped facilitate recruitment of top talent for this initiative. “We are excited to build on the success through our second cohort and continue providing meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to our thriving tech ecosystem.”

“Our partnership with the HBCU Innovation Internship Program allows us to engage with interns who bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives to the table,” stated Kellie Clark, Managing Director of the Prosper Birmingham Accelerator (gener8tor). “Prosper HealthTech Accelerator’s goal is to provide a meaningful experience that adds value to both the intern and our organization. For employers, this is an opportunity to develop future leaders of innovation and venture with intention. We’re laying the groundwork for the eventual handoff, ensuring Alabama remains in capable hands and has a prosperous, equitable future—long after we’re gone.”

The program looks forward to expanding on its initiative designed to both attract and retain exceptional talent within Alabama’s rapidly growing tech sector.

About EDPA

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic growth in Alabama. With support from over 60 Corporate Partners and guided by a board of top business leaders, EDPA focuses on economic development research, workforce development, talent retention, innovation, and entrepreneurship. EDPA’s initiatives include Alabama Launchpad, ALEX (Alabama Experience), and FuelAL, all aimed at fostering a dynamic and diverse economic landscape in Alabama.

Media Contact:

Audrey Ferguson
Phone: 812.760.1343
Email: aferguson@edpa.org