Fuel Alabama adds fire to job talent retention with summer programming

BIRMINGHAM – Huntsville is among the cities participating in expanded statewide talent summer programming for college students.

Fuel Alabama, a talent attraction and retention program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is collaborating with 10 select communities to offer the initiatives.

According to a news release from the Alabama Department of Labor, partnering communities will offer professional development, service opportunities, mentorship and social events to summer interns throughout the state, focusing on their experience the workplace.

Annie Davis of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce is the local community contact regarding the program. She can be reached at [email protected].

Joining the Huntsville community in hosting the Fuel Alabama (FuelAL) programming are Auburn, Birmingham, Baldwin County, Calhoun County, Dothan, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika and Tuscaloosa.

“Each city’s lineup is a testament to Alabama’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and dynamic environment for our future leaders,” said Miller Girvin, COO at EDPA. “This summer will serve as a full-spectrum experience—professionally enriching and personally unforgettable.”

Begun in 2021, FuelAL has connected undergraduate and graduate students to a region and its employers through community-building activities that showcase Alabama’s unique assets. Through these activities, interns will broaden networks and socialize with peers through professional workshops, team-building exercises and more. With this program, FuelAL will deepen connections and position Alabama as an attractive place for students to grow roots as young professionals.

As a supplement to the programs, EDPA will host two Summer Summits designed to engage and fuel relationships among community-oriented young professionals in disparate regions. Interns who have participated in events in their community will be given the opportunity to sign up for a “fun-filled weekend” with 40 fellow interns based throughout Alabama. More details will be released later, but the summits are scheduled for June 28-30 and July 19-21.

“Innovate Alabama is honored to partner with EDPA to bring these incredible experiences to young professionals across the state,” said Shannon Allen, program director at Innovate Alabama. “The highlighted communities have so much to offer, and we know that they will showcase the very best of Alabama.”