BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug. 25, 2025) — The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) today announced the launch of the fourth cohort of the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship. The program continues its mission to diversify and supplement Alabama’s tech talent through internship opportunities for students from the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The 12-week, paid program provides students with project-based internships at startups, accelerators and innovation hubs across Alabama, supplemented by professional development sessions designed to build leadership, communication and technical skills. Students are able to apply those skills directly to real-world innovation projects.
“I am looking forward to learning precisely how an idea is developed from the initial conceptualization stage to obtaining a final MVP—something I will hopefully see in our gBETA program,” said Munachimso Arubaleze.
Employer partners for the fall 2025 cohort include:
- Alabama Collective
- Analytical AI
- Birmingham Port
- Bronze Valley
- AL Intel
- HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator
- Huntsville gBETA
- Innovation Portal
- MGM Tech Lab
- SmartWiz
- TechBirmingham
- Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator
“Developing pathways for talent to thrive in our community is so important, and that’s why we are delighted to partner with FuelAL’s HBCU Innovation Internship program to help create meaningful opportunities for students to develop their skills and gain real-world experience,” said Todd Greer, executive director at Innovation Portal. “This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to fostering emerging talent but also enriches our ecosystem with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.”
Students in this cohort represent a wide network of HBCUs across the state, including:
- Alabama A&M University
- Alabama State University
- Bishop State Community College
- Lawson State Community College
- Miles College
- Stillman College
- Talladega College
- Tuskegee University
The program is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc. and Innovate Alabama. Together, these partners help ensure students gain valuable access to Alabama’s growing innovation ecosystem.
We encourage you to check out a video from our spring 2025 graduation held at Innovation Depot here.
Applications for the spring 2026 cohort open Wednesday, Aug. 27, and will remain open through Friday, Oct. 17. Students can learn more and apply here.
“The growth of this program reflects both the demand for talent among Alabama’s innovative organizations and the hunger for meaningful work experience in this sector from HBCU students,” said Estes Hughes, vice president of innovation and talent at EDPA. “We’re proud to open doors for our interns – they bring fresh perspective, talent and skills that strengthen the ecosystem for everyone.”
For more information on FuelAL and the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship please visit edpa.org/talent or email Jasmine Williams, EDPA’s manager of talent retention and attraction at jwilliams@edpa.org.
About the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic growth in Alabama. With support from more than 60 corporate partners and guided by a board of top business leaders, EDPA focuses on business intelligence, workforce development, talent retention, innovation and entrepreneurship. EDPA’s initiatives include Alabama Launchpad, Alabama Talent Solutions and FuelAL, all aimed at fostering a dynamic and diverse economic landscape in Alabama.
Media Contact:
Audrey Hodges
Phone: 812-760-1343
Email: ahodges@edpa.org
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