January 3, 2025 · Program Impact, Stories, Talent
FuelAL: Empowering Alabama’s Future Workforce
For Alabama college students like Raegan Harris, the FuelAL program is more than just a summer internship—it’s a life-changing experience that has opened her eyes to the vast opportunities her home state has to offer. A program of Innovate Alabama, in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), FuelAL is designed to retain Alabama’s best and brightest by showcasing the state’s professional opportunities, vibrant communities and unique quality of life.
The Mission Behind FuelAL
FuelAL addresses a critical challenge facing Alabama: retaining top talent after graduation. Too often, Alabama’s young professionals leave the state in search of opportunities elsewhere. To reverse this trend, FuelAL connects undergraduate and graduate students to employers and community leaders through professional development sessions, volunteer opportunities and immersive experiences that highlight the state’s many strengths.
The program doesn’t stop at the workplace. Through social events, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures across the state, FuelAL helps students envision Alabama not only as a career destination but also as a place to call home.
A Summer to Remember: Raegan’s Story
Raegan, a student at the University of Alabama studying urban planning and community development, spent her summer in the FuelAL program while interning in Birmingham. Her experience offered a deeper understanding of Alabama’s career landscape and community connections.
“FuelAL is focused on exposing students to all the different assets throughout Alabama,” Raegan shared. “With FuelAL, I participated in professional development sessions, networked with young professionals, volunteered in the community and even attended a summit on the Gulf Coast. It gave me a clear vision of what my future could look like here.”
FuelAL’s approach is comprehensive. Students like Raegan don’t just learn about career opportunities – they experience Alabama’s culture, from bustling arts scenes and historic downtowns to stunning beaches and hiking trails. For Raegan, the program revealed even more reasons to stay – arts markets, theaters, waterfalls, and a growing job market that aligns with her professional goals.
The Student Retention Council: A Leadership Opportunity
In addition to FuelAL, Raegan also serves as a member of the Student Retention Council, where she represents the University of Alabama. The council plays a key role in connecting students with opportunities across the state while serving as a bridge between young people and Alabama’s leaders.
Making Alabama Home
When asked what advice she would give to students unsure about staying in Alabama, Raegan offered this: “Keep an open mind and explore the state. Even after living here for 20 years, I learned so much about Alabama through these programs. You never know what opportunities exist until you get out there and look. I can definitely see myself staying in Alabama after college and helping it to grow and flourish.”
FuelAL’s ability to blend professional development with immersive, real-world experiences is helping students see Alabama in a new light. For students like Raegan, FuelAL is more than just a summer program—it’s offering a reason to live, work and thrive in Alabama. With initiatives like FuelAL and the Student Retention Council, Innovate Alabama is investing in its most valuable asset: its people.
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