FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Launches Fall 2026 Cohort with 17 students 

ByAudrey

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Aug. 25, 2026 — The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has launched the fall 2026 cohort of the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship, placing 17 students with startups, accelerators and innovation-focused organizations across Alabama. 

The 12-week, project-based fall internship runs from August through November, providing students with hands-on professional experience while connecting Alabama employers with emerging talent. Each intern receives a $3,000 stipend to support their participation in the program. 

The program continues its mission to diversify and supplement Alabama’s tech talent through internship opportunities for students from the state’s historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. 

“Through the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship, we’re creating opportunities for students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience while building relationships with some of the innovative companies and organizations shaping Alabama’s future,” said Jasmine Williams, EDPA’s manager of talent attraction and retention. “Our partnership with Innovate Alabama allows us to strengthen the connection between Alabama’s HBCU talent and our growing innovation ecosystem, helping students see the career opportunities available to them right here in our state.” 

Students in the fall cohort represent six Alabama HBCUs: 

  • Alabama A&M University 
  • Alabama State University 
  • Lawson State Community College 
  • Stillman College 
  • Talladega College 
  • Tuskegee University 

The 17 students have been placed with 13 employer partners across the state: 

  • Acclinate 
  • Alabama Collective 
  • Analytical AI 
  • Caravan AI 
  • The E-Center 
  • Economic Development Partnership of Alabama 
  • HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology 
  • Montgomery Tech Lab 
  • Multiply 
  • Tech Birmingham 
  • Techstars 
  • TrebleOne 
  • Zeus Research & Technology 

Throughout the semester, interns will work on projects that contribute to the needs of their host organizations while gaining exposure to Alabama’s technology and innovation ecosystem. The experience is designed to help students build professional skills, expand their networks and explore career pathways available in Alabama. 

As the fall cohort begins its 12-week experience, applications are now open for the Spring 2027 FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship. Students interested in participating can apply from Aug. 25 through Oct. 9 by visiting https://fuelalabama.com/hbcu-innovation-internship/.  

For more information on FuelAL and the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship, visit edpa.org/talent or email Jasmine Williams, EDPA’s manager of talent attraction and retention, at [email protected]. 

About FuelAL 

FuelAL, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, connects college students and early-career talent with career opportunities, employers and communities across the state. Through professional development, community engagement and work-based learning experiences, FuelAL helps participants build connections to Alabama and discover opportunities to live, work and grow their careers in the state. The FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship is offered in partnership with Innovate Alabama. 

About the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama 

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is a private, nonprofit organization that supports economic growth in Alabama through efforts focused on business attraction and retention, innovation and entrepreneurship, talent and business intelligence. EDPA works with public and private partners across the state to support Alabama businesses, communities and economic development opportunities.