This growing HBCU internship is launching careers + fueling Alabama’s workforce

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The future of Alabama’s workforce is taking shape well beyond the classroom and the boardroom. 

Thanks to FuelAL’s HBCU Innovation Internship, students from across Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are landing paid opportunities that help shape the future of our state’s economy.

What began as a pilot program has now doubled in size, with more students, more employers and more opportunities for everyone involved. Read on to learn more, including the deadline to apply for the Spring 2026 co-hort.

About the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship

Launched in 2023 by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the 12-week paid internship program places students from Alabama’s HBCUs into startups, accelerators and innovation hubs across the state.

“The FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship offers more than a semester-long internship; it offers open doors to an innovative economy that is growing here in the state of Alabama. When those doors are open and that pipeline of talent participates in the growth of the state’s fast-growing companies, Alabama’s economy benefits.”

Estes Hughes, Vice President of Innovation & Talent, EDPA

The program combines project-based work with professional development in leadership, communication and technical skills—ensuring students graduate with both the skills and confidence to succeed.

In short? It’s a win-win: Students get valuable experience with statewide employers, and employers gain access to passionate young professionals.

“We have been so impressed with the quality of candidates and the efficiency of the interview process. It’s a great opportunity to tap into a talent pool that may be missed through other recruitment means.

The interns we’ve had have all been hard working, intelligent and helped push our technology forward.”

William Monroe, VP of Data Science, Analytical AI

Backing this growth are program supporters like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Innovate Alabama, whose investments ensure students have access to Alabama’s thriving innovation ecosystem.

Representing HBCUs across Alabama

The program is open to all students attending HBCU’s in Alabama, with past participants coming from eight schools across the state, including Alabama A&M University, Shelton State Community College, Tuskegee University, Bishop State Community College and more.

These institutions have a long legacy of excellence and community leadership. By bridging them with Alabama’s innovation sector, the EDPA is helping ensure that students see pathways to thriving careers right here at home.

For many students, like returning intern Kristin Taylor of Alabama A&M University, the program has been a career-shaping experience.

“Since my project focused on manufacturing, I decided to take an internship during the summer at a plant. EDPA invests in each student through personal and professional development, and it was an amazing opportunity that changed the course of my career.

Now, I know I want to stay in the manufacturing process improvement field. I love the work, and this internship showed me what exists outside of the office.” 

Kristin Taylor, Student, Alabama A&M University

Meet the employers

For employers, this program is more than mentorship, it’s a direct pipeline to smart, driven talent that’s often overlooked in traditional recruiting.

The Fall 2025 cohort includes a powerhouse lineup of employer partners such as:

• Alabama Collective
• Analytical AI
• Birmingham Port
• Bronze Valley
• HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator
• Innovation Portal
• MGM Tech Lab
• SmartWiz
• TechBirmingham
• Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator

These organizations represent the full spectrum of Alabama’s innovation landscape—from biotech in Huntsville to energy tech in Birmingham—giving students an inside track to industries shaping our future.

According to William Monroe at Analytical AI, the internship has given employers like him access to top talent.

Apply for the Spring 2026 co-hort

If you’re an HBCU student with big ideas and a drive to learn, this is your chance. Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort opened August 27 and will remain open through October 17.

Don’t miss the opportunity to build your skills, connect with top employers and play a role in shaping Alabama’s future.

Interested in participating, or know someone who is?

Students → Apply here.

Professors, employers, ambassadors → Here’s how to get involved.

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