BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Jan. 22, 2026) — The FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Program has officially kicked off its Spring 2026 cohort, welcoming 20 students from five of Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) into a 12-week, paid internship experience designed to strengthen Alabama’s innovation and technology workforce.
Students in the Spring 2026 cohort represent five HBCUs across the state and are placed with 12 unique employers, including startups, accelerators, innovation hubs, and ecosystem-building organizations across Alabama.
The Spring 2026 HBCUs represented are Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Lawson State Community College, Talladega College, and Tuskegee University.
The 12 unique employers include Alabama Collective, Analytical AI, Birmingham Port, EDPA, Gener8tor, HudsonAlpha, Innovation Portal, MTL Tech Lab, Tech Birmingham, Techstars, TrebleOne, and Zeus Research & Technology.
The program continues its mission to grow Alabama’s tech talent through internship opportunities for students from the state’s HBCUs. The 12-week, paid program provides students with project-based internships at startups, accelerators, and innovation-supporting organizations 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 businesses and projects.
“We are excited to welcome the next cohort of the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship,” said Jasmine Williams, manager of talent attraction and retention at EDPA. “These students represent the talent, creativity, and innovation coming out of HBCU institutions across Alabama, and we’re proud to have them join us this spring.”
Program partners emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful, real-world experiences for students across Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
“We’re proud to continue partnering with FuelAL’s HBCU Innovation Internship program to create impactful opportunities for students to build skills and gain real-world experience,” said Todd Greer, executive director at Innovation Portal. “Supporting emerging talent is key to growing Alabama’s tech ecosystem, and we’re excited to see what this next cohort will accomplish.”
“EDPA’s FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship is a powerful talent pipeline for Alabama—connecting us with bright, purpose‑driven students who bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and a passion for serving Alabama’s communities,” said Jason Watters, manager of workforce development at Southern Company. “This program strengthens our workforce, enriches our culture, and helps us build the next generation of innovative, entrepreneurial leaders who will power our state’s future.”
By connecting students with meaningful, hands-on experiences and exposure to Alabama’s innovation ecosystem, the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Program supports both workforce development and long-term talent retention across the state.
Applications for the Fall 2026 FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship cohort will open February 2, 2026, and close March 6, 2026.
For more information on FuelAL and the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Program, visit edpa.org/talent or email Jasmine Williams, EDPA’s manager of talent attraction and retention, at jwilliams@edpa.org.
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, ATS (Alabama Talent Solutions), and FuelAL, all aimed at fostering a dynamic and diverse economic landscape in Alabama.
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