FUEL Alabama

Greater Birmingham Region interns! Are you looking to grow in your professional development and become better connected in Birmingham?

Look no further than the Birmingham Business Alliance's (BBA) FuelAL internship program, in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) and Innovate Alabama.

FuelAL aids in connecting interns to professional, volunteer service and networking opportunities. This summer, the BBA has planned a series of events designed to bring together interns from across the region.

If you're a student interested in being a part of opportunities outside of the 9-to-5, apply to join the BBA's FuelAL program today and get ready to broaden your network and socialize with peers through professional workshops, team-building exercises and more!

Eligibility: All 2026 Greater Birmingham Region summer interns are eligible to apply to the FuelAL program.

Applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage all submissions!

Apply Now!

"Birmingham is the perfect place to make a difference while making a living. This program is the perfect opportunity for a summer intern to experience that Birmingham Has More."

BBA Vice President of Economic Development Trevor Sutton

"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."
EDPA President Miller Girvin

"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."
Innovate Alabama Program Director Shannon Allen

Schedule of Events:

In addition to the scheduled events below, participants will have the opportunity to join in on a few multi-day events:

Statewide Summit: June 12-14 (weekend trip to Mobile and Gulf Shores)
Sloss Tech: June 24-26 (Tech conference in Birmingham)
Statewide Summit: July 17-18 (weekend trip to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa)

If you are interested in these events, please contact Mirna Chbeir for more information.

June 2: Professional Development Kickoff Event

Join us on Tuesday, June 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for our kickoff event of networking, dinner and real-world career insight at Monday Night Brewing Social Club. Interns will hear from Birmingham innovators Shegun Otulana and Austin Senseman as they share candid advice on navigating what comes next after college, building a meaningful career, and developing into the kind of leader people want to follow. Expect honest conversation, practical takeaways and the chance to connect with fellow interns and rising professionals from across the region.

June 11: Coffee & Contacts

Start your morning with connections and conversation at our Coffee and Contacts event on Thursday, June 11 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at BodyRX Wellness Studio. This networking event brings together 30–40+ local business owners and professionals, giving interns a valuable opportunity to practice professional networking skills, build confidence in business settings and learn more about Birmingham’s business community. Attendees will also get an inside look at small business ownership through a studio tour and presentation from the owner of BodyRX on what it takes to build and run a successful business.

June 13: Community Service

On Saturday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. participants will gather at Jimmie Hale Mission to serve lunch alongside members of the local Young Professionals Board and take part in a shared activity following the meal. Through service and conversation, interns will gain insight into the mission’s impact, strengthen leadership and communication skills, and build a deeper understanding of how community involvement plays an important role in both personal and professional growth.

June 18: Public Safety Awards Luncheon

Gain an inside look at leadership, service and community impact at the Public Safety Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hoover Country Club. This annual event honors outstanding police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals who serve and protect the Hoover community each day. For interns, it’s a valuable learning opportunity to hear directly from civic and public safety leaders, including the mayor, police chief, fire chief and EMS director, while gaining exposure to the critical role public service plays in a thriving community.

June 20: McWane After Dark

Take a break and celebrate the halfway point of the summer at McWane After Dark: Adult Summer Camp on Saturday, June 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the McWane Science Center. This celebration gives interns the chance to unwind, connect with fellow interns and enjoy a fun, interactive night exploring one of Birmingham’s most popular attractions after hours. From deconstructed s’mores, live trivia, a silent disco and access to all levels of the Adventure Halls, including the World of Water touch tank and High Cycle. With a cash bar and plenty of interactive experiences throughout the evening, it’s the perfect chance to relax, network and make lasting memories during the summer program.

Registration Coming Soon

June 25: Social and Networking at Spare Time Entertainment

Join fellow interns for an evening of competition and fun on Thursday, June 25 from 5:00–6:30 PM at Spare Time Entertainment in Trussville. Guests can enjoy themselves while rotating through activities like bowling, laser tag and escape room challenges.

July 14: Professional Development Social

Join us on Monday, July 14 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.at the The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover for an evening of professional development and networking, focusing on the hospitality industry. Interns will hear firsthand how every field of study connects to and plays a role in the hospitality and tourism industry—from operations and marketing to finance, events, and beyond. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world perspective, ask questions, and connect with professionals shaping one of Birmingham’s most dynamic industries.

July 20: Social and Networking

Connect, learn and expand your network during Social & Networking the week of July 20 (location and time TBD). This Rotaract partnership event will bring interns together with professionals and community leaders for an evening focused on meaningful connection and career exploration. Members of Birmingham Corps will also participate, bringing approximately 20 mentors to engage with interns, offer guidance, and share information about their Pathways Fellows Program—a 9-month rotational experience that places participants with three different employers over nine months, giving exposure to a wide range of career paths and industries.

Registration Coming Soon

July 28: Community Service

On Tuesday, July 28 from 3:00–5:30 p.m., interns will have the opportunity to step into hands-on service with Grace Klein Community at the Morgan UMC FeedBHM Hub and Community Outreach Hall, followed by a celebration dinner to close out the summer together. Participants will sort and log clothing donations, organize the Give and Take Room, bundle shoes, and helping inventory and stamp books. All participants MUST COMPLETE the Volunteer Release Waiver before arriving. Please wear comfortable clothes that can get a bit dirty. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.