Fuel Alabama: Building Careers, Strengthening Communities

Tuscaloosa College interns are invited to plug into more than work this summer. Fuel Alabama, in Partnership with Innovate Alabama, a dynamic new program designed to connect students with community and career-building experiences, is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort, and it’s free to join.

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Fuel AL Tuscaloosa is part of a broader statewide initiative launched four years ago, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). The EDPA aims to attract and retain top talent by giving college students a taste of Alabama life outside the workplace.

“Put simply, FuelAL is an investment in Alabama’s economic future,” said Estes Hughes, Vice President of Innovation & Talent at EDPA. “By connecting students with industries, communities, and career opportunities, we’re ensuring they see Alabama as a place to build their lives. We’ve touched nearly 900 students since we started this program, and we plan on surpassing 1,000 this summer.

"FuelAL supports key industries like mobility, defense, life sciences, and IT while strengthening local businesses and communities. With continued collaboration, we can sustain this momentum and make Alabama a top destination for top talent.”

The press release said that the 2025 FuelAL summer program can be found in “Auburn, Bibb County, Calhoun County, Dothan, Greater Birmingham, Huntsville-Madison County, Mobile, Opelika, the River Region, and Tuscaloosa.”

This free program welcomes all college students, both undergraduate and graduate, who are spending their summer working in our region, regardless of which college or university they call home. Click here for the application, but hurry, the deadline is May 31.

Davin Samuel, a journalism student at Stillman College, wrote this article.