Fuel Alabama selects 11 host communities for 2026 summer programming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2026
 

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