Fuel Alabama (FuelAL), a talent attraction and retention initiative by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in collaboration with Innovate Alabama, has announced the selection of 10 host communities for its 2025 summer program. This expansion aims to provide college interns with enriched opportunities for professional development, mentorship, community engagement, and networking across the state.
The 2025 host communities include Auburn, Bibb County, Calhoun County, Dothan, Greater Birmingham, Huntsville-Madison County, Mobile, Opelika, the River Region, and Tuscaloosa. By immersing students in local industries and cultural experiences, FuelAL endeavors to showcase Alabama as an attractive place to launch a career and establish roots.
“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.”
In addition to community-specific programming, EDPA will host two statewide FuelAL Summits during the summer of 2025. These summits, scheduled for June 13-15 and July 18-19, will convene students from across Alabama for professional development and networking opportunities.
