About Fuel Alabama (FuelAL)

Fuel Alabama (FuelAL) is a talent attraction and retention program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama.

Fuel AL collaborates with 10 select communities to offer summer programming for college students. Partnering communities will offer professional development, service opportunities, mentorship and social events to summer interns throughout the state, focusing on their experience outside the workplace.

Begun in 2021, FuelAL has connected undergraduate and graduate students to a region and its employers through community-building activities that showcase Alabama's unique assets.

Through this summer’s activities, interns will broaden their networks and socialize with peers through professional workshops, team-building exercises and more. With this program, FuelAL will deepen connections and position Alabama as an attractive place for students to grow roots and start their lives as young professionals.

FuelAL programming will be hosted within the following 10 communities across Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Baldwin County, Calhoun County, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika and Tuscaloosa.

To supplement the incredible experiences in interns’ host cities, EDPA will also host two Summer Summits, designed to engage and fuel relationships among community-oriented young professionals in disparate regions. Interns who have participated in events in their community will be given the opportunity to sign up for a fun-filled weekend with 40 fellow interns based throughout Alabama.

Eligibility: All 2024 Alabama Summer Interns are eligible to apply to a FuelAL Host Community near them. Applications open April 1, 2024. Applications roll through May 31. 

“Each city’s lineup is a testament to Alabama’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and dynamic environment for our future leaders. This summer will serve as a full-spectrum experience—professionally enriching and personally unforgettable.”
— Miller Girvin, Chief Operating Officer at EDPA

Applications Open: April 1 - May 31, 2024 

Professional Development Luncheons
June 6 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Innovation Depot • Keynote: David Morrison, author of The Edge
July 9 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Innovation Depot • Fireside chat with Rotaract leaders

Social Networking Happy Hours
June 27 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. – Sloss Tech on Tap @ Innovation Depot • Network with young professionals in tech and innovation
July 16 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. – Made in BHM (location TBD) • Network with young professionals working to help Birmingham grow

Service Day
June 21 - United Way Day of Service

“Innovate Alabama is honored to partner with EDPA to bring these incredible experiences to young professionals across the state. The highlighted communities have so much to offer, and we know that they will showcase the very best of Alabama.”
— Shannon Allen, Program Director at Innovate Alabama