FuelAL internship program open to local students

TL;DR

Auburn and Opelika cities opened applications for the FuelAL summer program targeting local college interns.
The free initiative offers professional development, mentorship, social events, and community service through May 31 deadline.
It connects interns with employers and area assets to encourage them to build careers and stay in the region after graduation.

The story at a glance

Auburn and Opelika economic development departments announced applications are open for the FuelAL summer intern experience program, a grant-funded effort by Innovate Alabama and EDPA. The program targets college students interning at local companies, providing weekly events like pickleball tournaments, cooking classes, and summits to build networks and showcase community life. This is being reported now as applications launched in early April 2026, marking the area's fourth year in the initiative.[[1]](https://openline.auburnalabama.org/article/9630)[[2]](https://www.opelika-al.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1129)

Key points

Open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students with summer internships in Auburn-Opelika area companies.
Features weekly local events for serving, socializing, and professional growth, plus two statewide summer summits on June 13-15 and July 18-19.
Businesses can nominate their interns; students apply via online form at edpa.org/talent or community links.
Applications accepted through May 31; program is free and aims to highlight career opportunities beyond the workplace.
Includes Anchor Auburn school-year leadership cohort for select student leaders during the academic year.
Supported by contacts like Trevor Cook (tcook@auburnal.gov) in Auburn and Jonathan Woodard (jonathan.woodard@opelika-al.gov) in Opelika.[[1]](https://openline.auburnalabama.org/article/9630)[[2]](https://www.opelika-al.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1129)

Details and context

FuelAL started as a 2022 pilot with 17 students and has grown to over 1,250 participants across Alabama communities, focusing on talent retention by immersing interns in local culture and industries.[[3]](https://edpa.org/programs-services/talent) In Auburn-Opelika, it partners city economic teams with employers to host events that build relationships and show why the area suits young professionals long-term.

The program supplements paid internships at private companies, not providing jobs itself—students must secure those separately. It emphasizes out-of-office experiences like industry exposure and service projects to foster belonging.[[4]](https://innovatealabama.org/programs/fuelal)

Auburn-Opelika joins 10 other host areas like Birmingham and Huntsville, selected for 2026 to expand statewide reach.[[5]](https://edpa.org/news-item/fuel-alabama-selects-11-host-communities-for-2026-summer-programming)

Key quotes

“The FuelAL Summer Intern Program is an exciting way for students to discover everything the Auburn–Opelika area has to offer as they prepare for their future." — Trevor Cook, Auburn’s Workforce Development Director.[[1]](https://openline.auburnalabama.org/article/9630)

“FuelAL is about connection — connecting students to opportunity, industry to talent and communities to their future workforce.” — Estes Hughes, EDPA vice president of innovation and talent.[[1]](https://openline.auburnalabama.org/article/9630)

Why it matters

The program helps Alabama compete for talent by turning short-term internships into long-term commitments, supporting economic growth in areas like Auburn-Opelika. For interns, it means practical networking and community ties that boost job prospects and post-graduation decisions. Watch for participant numbers after May 31 and any follow-up data on retention rates from past years.