OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika, in partnership with the City of Auburn, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 FuelAL Summer Intern Experience Program. This initiative, supported by Innovate Alabama and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), is designed to attract and retain top collegiate talent by providing professional development, mentorship, service opportunities, and social engagement throughout the summer.
College juniors and seniors interning with companies in the Auburn-Opelika area are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
Participants selected for the FuelAL program will engage in weekly events aimed at helping interns connect with the community and each other while building professional skills. Planned activities include experiences at Botanic, an event at the Bottling Plant Event Center, an industry tour, a pickleball tournament, and a graduation celebration at The Graduate Hotel in Auburn.
“This program continues to be a powerful tool for showcasing everything our community has to offer,” said John Sweatman, Director of Opelika Economic Development. “FuelAL not only enhances the internship experience, but also helps position our local employers to retain top-tier talent right here in Opelika and Auburn.”
“FuelAL is about more than just a summer experience. It is about building meaningful connections between students and our community,” said Grace Dickerson, Project Manager of Workforce Development for the City of Opelika Economic Development Department. “By investing in these students now, we are helping shape a strong, skilled workforce for the future of Opelika.”
Local businesses with summer internship programs are encouraged to nominate their interns to participate in the FuelAL and Innovate Alabama Intern Experience Program.
For more information, please contact Grace Dickerson at cdark@opelika-al.gov or visit the application portal online.
