Fuel Alabama, in Partnership with Innovate Alabama, Expands Summer 2025 Programming to Connect College Interns with Communities Statewide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 4, 2025 

Contact:
Audrey Ferguson Hodges
Director of Communications and Talent
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
ahodges@edpa.org | 812-760-1343  

Fuel Alabama, in Partnership with Innovate Alabama, Expands Summer 2025 Programming to Connect College Interns with Communities Statewide 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fuel Alabama (FuelAL), a talent attraction and retention program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has selected 10 host communities for its 2025 summer programming. The program, designed to help college students build professional and community connections across Alabama, will expand its reach to include new and returning communities. 

This summer, FuelAL will provide college interns with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, community engagement and networking. By immersing students in local industries and cultural experiences, FuelAL aims to showcase Alabama as an attractive place to launch a career and establish roots. 

The following communities will serve as hosts for the 2025 FuelAL summer program: Auburn, Bibb County, Calhoun County, Dothan, Greater Birmingham, Huntsville-Madison County, Mobile, Opelika, the River Region and Tuscaloosa. 

“Put simply, FuelAL is an investment in Alabama’s economic future,” said Estes Hughes, Vice President of Innovation & Talent at EDPA. “By connecting students with industries, communities, and career opportunities, we’re ensuring they see Alabama as a place to build their lives. We’ve touched nearly 900 students since we started this program, and we plan on surpassing 1,000 this summer. FuelAL supports key industries like mobility, defense, life sciences, and IT while strengthening local businesses and communities. With continued collaboration, we can sustain this momentum and make Alabama a top destination for top talent.” 

In addition to programming within host communities, EDPA will host two statewide FuelAL Summits in summer 2025. These summits will bring together students from across Alabama for professional development and networking. The first summit will take place June 13-15, with the second scheduled for July 18-19.

FuelAL Host Community Applications are available below:

• Auburn + Opelika: Griffin O’Connor and Trevor Cook – Apply Here
• Bibb County: Brian Hilson – Apply Here
• Birmingham: Trevor Sutton – Apply Here
• Calhoun County: Linda Hearn, Laurel Harp, and Savannah Dempsey – Apply Here
• Dothan: Jessica Steltenpohl – Apply Here
• Huntsville: Annie Davis – Apply Here
• Mobile: Abbey Huguley – Apply Here
• River Region: Kenneth (Kenny) Ward – Apply Here
• Tuscaloosa: Barkley Garrett – Apply Here

For more information about FuelAL and its 2025 programming, visit www.edpa.org/talent. 

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. The program connects college student interns and early-career professionals with Alabama’s communities, industries, and professional networks through immersive experiences that showcase the state’s career opportunities and quality of life. 

FuelAL provides students interning in Alabama with access to regional programming, industry treks, mentorship, and community engagement activities, helping them build meaningful connections beyond the workplace. The program also hosts targeted industry summits across the state, spotlighting Alabama’s high-growth sectors such as aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. These summits bring together students, industry leaders, and economic developers to explore career pathways and strengthen the pipeline of top talent in Alabama. 

Since its launch, FuelAL has engaged hundreds of students annually, shaping perceptions of Alabama as a destination for young professionals. By fostering deep connections between students and local communities, FuelAL plays a key role in strengthening Alabama’s workforce and driving economic growth. 

For more information, visit www.edpa.org/talent.  

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