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FuelAL interns build connections through free summer programs across the Greater Birmingham Region. (Birmingham Business Alliance)

If you’re interning in Birmingham this summer, there’s more on the agenda than just your nine-to-five. FuelAL—an immersive summer experience designed to connect interns with leaders, industries and the people shaping Alabama’s future—is returning to the Magic City.

Hosted by the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) and the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, this free add-on program gives interns, regardless of their chosen field, the chance to plug into the Magic City in a whole new way alongside their regular internship.

Read on to see what the program offers, this summer’s lineup of networking and service opportunities and how to apply by May 31.

FuelAL connects Alabama interns to local opportunities

_{FuelAL interns get to meet and connect with top leaders at a variety of events across the Greater Birmingham Region. (Birmingham Business Alliance)}

While FuelAL is part of a broader statewide initiative led by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and Innovate Alabama, the Greater Birmingham portion is intentionally designed for interns living and working right here in the Greater Birmingham Region. 

The goal is simple:

• Help interns build relationships across industries
• Meet local professionals
• Get a larger look at what it’s like to live + grow in Birmingham

Instead of keeping interns limited to a single office or industry, this is a chance to expand their experience across Birmingham and Hoover, introducing new spaces, people and perspectives along the way.

How FuelAL strengthens Birmingham’s talent pipeline

This isn’t the first time the initiative has been in Birmingham—and its return this summer reflects continued momentum around keeping early-career talent engaged in the area.

“FuelAL is a powerful example of how we connect talent to opportunity in the Greater Birmingham Region. By creating meaningful experiences for interns and students beyond the workplace, we’re helping them see Birmingham not just as a place to start a career, but as a place to build a life.

This partnership strengthens our talent pipeline and reinforces our commitment to attracting and retaining the next generation of leaders.” 

Mirna Chbeir, Talent & Workforce Strategy Director, BBA

FuelAL’s 2026 summer event lineup for Birmingham interns

This summer’s lineup blends networking, service opportunities and hands-on experiences designed to help interns engage more deeply with the Greater Birmingham Region.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Tuesday, June 2: Summer Kickoff: Networking + Fireside Chat w-Birmingham Business Leaders
  • What: A networking dinner featuring speakers from Birmingham’s innovation community + a chance to gain career insights + connect with leaders shaping the city’s startup + tech scene.
  • Where: Monday Night Brewing
  • Time: 5:30–7:30PM

• Monday, June 8: Networking & Social Happy Hour
  • What: An after-hours unwind hosted by Breakthrough Birmingham and PNC Bank where fellows can relax, connect and build relationships with fellow young professionals.
  • Where: Back Forty Beer Co
  • Time: 4:30–6:30PM

• Thursday, June 11: Coffee & Contacts
  • What: Coffee and conversation with 40+ local professionals, plus a behind-the-scenes studio tour + an opportunity to make meaningful connections + learn how local businesses operate.
  • Where: BodyRX Wellness Studio
  • Time: 8–9:30AM

• Saturday, June 13: Connect Through Service at Jimmie Hale Mission
  • What: Lunch and a shared service activity with Jimmie Hale Mission’s Young Professionals Board + a chance to build community-minded leadership skills and connect with professionals beyond the workplace.
  • Where: Jimmy Hale Mission
  • Time: 11AM–2PM

• Thursday, June 18: Public Safety Awards Luncheon
  • An annual event honoring Hoover’s first responders + a unique opportunity for interns interested in going into public service,
  • Where: Hoover Country Club
  • Time: 11:30AM–1PM

• Saturday, June 20: McWane After Dark
  • What: After-hours access to McWane Science Center packed with trivia, interactive fun and hands-on activities + a chance to connect with fellow interns in a laid-back setting.
  • Where: McWane Science Center
  • Time: 7–10PM

• Thursday, June 25: Entertainment Night
  • What: Bowling, laser tag and escape room fun + an opportunity to sharpen teamwork and problem-solving skills while connecting with peers across industries.
  • Where: Spare Time Entertainment
  • Time: 5-6:30PM

• Saturday, July 11: Rotaract at the Top! Rooftop Kickoff Social
  • What: A Birmingham-themed trivia night with young professionals from Rotaract Club of Birmingham—the largest Rotaract chapter in the world!—plus a chance to discover local opportunities and meet others passionate about the city.
  • Where: Mayawell Bar Rooftop
  • Time: 1–4PM

• Sunday, July 14: Hospitality Spotlight
  • What: A closer look at how hospitality shows up across industries + insight into the people skills and relationship-building that can take you far in any career.
  • Where: Wynfrey Hotel
  • Time: 5:30–7:30PM

• Week of July 20: Networking events
  • What: Community-focused networking with Rotaract Club of Birmingham and Birmingham Corps + a chance to grow your professional network while connecting with young leaders making a local impact.
  • Where: Sidewalk Film Center
  • Time: TBD

• Tuesday, July 21: Social & Networking Event with the Rotaract
  • What: A kickoff networking event hosted by Rotaract Club of Birmingham where interns can connect with members, grow their professional network and learn more about opportunities for the 2026–2027 year.
  • Where: Sidewalk Film Center
  • Time: 5–8PM

• Sunday, July 28: Final Service Experience with Grace Klein Community
  • What: Hands-on service with Grace Klein Community followed by a dinner celebration + an opportunity to strengthen community connections and reflect on the relationships built throughout the summer.
  • Where: Morgan UMC FeedBHM Hub
  • Time: 3–5PM

You can see the full lineup here.

How to apply for FuelAL 2026

If you’re ready to plug into Birmingham in a whole new way, applications are now open for Greater Birmingham Region summer interns through Sunday, May 31.

BONUS: FuelAL interns can also take advantage of free admission to Sloss Tech 2026, happening June 24–26 in downtown Birmingham. Students and early-career professionals can apply through the conference’s Next In Tech program and should enter “FuelAL” in the “How did you find out about Sloss Tech?” field when registering.

DOUBLE BONUS Momentum is providing mentorship opportunities, professional development, and leadership training through their powerful network

Plug into Birmingham this summer—learn more about FuelAL and apply today.

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