Anniston, AL – Calhoun County has been named one of 11 host communities for the 2026 Fuel Alabama (FuelAL) Summer Program, a statewide initiative focused on attracting and retaining young talent across Alabama.
FuelAL, led by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, connects college students and interns with career opportunities through immersive, community-based experiences. The program is designed to showcase Alabama as a destination for early-career professionals seeking both professional growth and quality of life.
Calhoun County joins a diverse group of selected communities across the state, including Auburn and Opelika; Birmingham and Hoover; Dothan; Huntsville and Madison; Marengo County; Mobile; Montgomery; Selma; The Shoals; and Tuscaloosa.
Throughout the summer, participating students will take part in a range of structured activities that extend beyond traditional internships. These include executive roundtables, industry tours, community service projects and networking events. The programming is intended to provide professional development, mentorship opportunities and exposure to Alabama’s key industries and regions.
Estes Hughes, vice president of innovation and talent at EDPA, emphasized the broader impact of the program, noting that FuelAL is designed to connect students with career opportunities while helping communities build a sustainable workforce for the future.
FuelAL also includes additional components beyond the summer program, such as school-year leadership cohorts through Anchor Tuscaloosa and Anchor Auburn, as well as the FuelAL HBCU Innovation Internship Program. These initiatives aim to expand access to internships, leadership development and entrepreneurial experiences for students across the state.
Statewide FuelAL Industry Summits further support the initiative by highlighting high-growth sectors, including aerospace and defense, mobility, information technology, bioscience, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Since its launch, FuelAL has engaged nearly 2,000 students statewide, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen Alabama’s workforce and encourage young professionals to build their careers within the state.
