Dothan, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Dothan is enhancing college internship opportunities via the FuelAL program, a free initiative by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. FuelAL engaged nearly 900 interns this summer across Alabama, offering vital networking and professional development through statewide summits. The program aims to encourage local young talent and has grown significantly since its launch in 2022. Dothan plans to host networking events in various sectors, increasing its intern count from 15 to 20, with applications open until May 31.
Dothan is set to expand the opportunities for college interns through the FuelAL program, a free summer initiative powered by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). The program is designed to enhance the internships of students across Alabama by providing vital professional development and networking opportunities.
This summer, FuelAL engaged nearly 900 interns across nine communities in Alabama, hosting two significant statewide summits in Huntsville and Birmingham. The initiative has shown remarkable growth since its inception in 2022, which started with only 17 students.
A key participant from this summer’s program, a Mechanical Engineering major from the University of South Alabama, attended the Huntsville summit while interning at Austal, a ship manufacturer in Mobile. She found the session to be illuminating, particularly the focus on Mobility, which presented insights into the aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors. A major highlight was learning about the Payload Operations Center (PAYCOMs), which plays a crucial role in supporting astronauts during high-stress missions.
The summit held in Birmingham placed emphasis on Innovation and Impact, showcasing Alabama’s growing technology sector. FuelAL is not just about the technical experiences—it promotes personal growth and builds confidence in professional environments. Participants had the opportunity to connect with various mentors, including professionals from the National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining.
In Dothan, the program is already making strides. The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce points out how FuelAL helps young talent envision their future careers within Alabama. The community will be hosting networking events in sectors including healthcare, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and technology. This summer, opportunities for regional participants will extend through a statewide summit scheduled for June and July.
Excitingly, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce plans to increase participation in FuelAL from an existing number to 15 to 20 interns. Applications are currently open until May 31, aiming to attract even more aspiring professionals to the program.
FuelAL aims to broaden its reach, with plans to feature 10 host communities by the summer of 2025. Interns will not only have access to professional opportunities, but they will also participate in social experiences that highlight life within Alabama.
A statement from a previous FuelAL participant underscores the positive impacts of the program, emphasizing how it has altered perceptions regarding career options available in Alabama. By equipping interns with essential training and invaluable experiences, FuelAL is committed to solidifying Alabama’s status as a launchpad for young professionals.
Looking ahead, FuelAL aspires to surpass 1,000 participants in the upcoming summer, continuing to connect interns with industry leaders and facilitating discoveries of diverse career pathways across the state.
FAQ
What is the FuelAL program?
The FuelAL program is a free summer initiative designed to enhance the college internship experience in Alabama through professional development and networking opportunities.
How many participants are involved in FuelAL this year?
This year, nearly 900 interns across nine communities are participating in the program.
What key events does FuelAL include?
FuelAL includes statewide summits focused on various themes, including Mobility and Innovation, where participants can engage in discussions and connect with mentors.
How has FuelAL grown since it started?
Since launching in 2022 with 17 students, FuelAL has expanded significantly, now engaging 900 participants and aiming for over 1,000 next summer.
What opportunities will be available in Dothan?
Dothan will offer networking events in healthcare, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and technology, with plans to accept 15 to 20 participants this summer.
Key Features of FuelAL
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional Development | Workshops and seminars aimed at building skills necessary for the workplace. |
| Networking Opportunities | Connecting interns with industry mentors and leaders from various sectors. |
| Statewide Summits | Events in different cities focusing on themes like Mobility and Innovation. |
| Community Engagement | Interns participate in local events fostering connections within their communities. |
| Future Expansion | The goal to reach 10 host communities and increase participant numbers by 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Interning in Alabama – Here’s What You Can Learn from FuelAL
- Wikipedia: Internship
- Hville Blast: Interning in Alabama – Here’s What You Can Learn from FuelAL
- Google Search: FuelAL program
- WTVY: 2025 Fuel Alabama Summer Program Applications Are Open
- Google Scholar: FuelAL
- The Bama Buzz: Interns from Around the World Learning about Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internship
- Yellowhammer News: Next in Tech Program Expands Free Access for Students
- Google News: FuelAL Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
