At the beginning of this year, Alabama A&M University became one of four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Alabama to participate in the launch of a 12-week HBCU Innovation Internship Program.

The paid internship program is the product of a partnership between The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and Innovate Alabama.

The program is designed to diversify the pipeline of tech talent and create opportunities for underserved populations in the tech sector. Seven students were selected for the inaugural program, which will provide hands-on work experience and supplementary professional development.

“As we launch the HBCU Innovation Internship Program, we are not only addressing the critical need for diverse talent in the tech sector, but we are also fostering a supportive environment for the career development of young Black professionals,” said Miller Girvin, EVP of Innovation and Talent at EDPA.

HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator in Huntsville is one of the six partner companies employing interns through this program.

Christopher Udall is the Managing Director of HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, powered by gener8tor. He has been working with the Innovation intern from Alabama A&M University.

Udall believes the program is beneficial to businesses and students alike. He says innovative companies like his benefit from top talent that enables growth. At the same time, students are exposed to entrepreneurship in action.

“Entrepreneurship solves deep problems,” said Udall. He would like to see more venture capitalists invest in small entrepreneurs. Additionally, he would encourage entrepreneurs to utilize interns from programs like the Innovation Internship, exposing as many young people to the tech ecosystem as possible. He says students need to be reassured that entrepreneurial tech is a viable and vital career path.

Oluwatofarati Aina is the Alabama A&M intern working with gener8tor. Aina spoke enthusiastically about his internship.

“This program is most definitely helping my future career plans, not just by giving me the experience I need but by sharpening the skills that I believe I will need to navigate life later on in my career,” said Aina.

“I believe that these kinds of internships are training grounds for students to learn and experience firsthand what it means to work in a tech space. You get to network, connect, and gain experience that recruiters like to see on your resume,” Aina continued.

The Innovation Internship program hopes that these students will not only enjoy careers in startups and innovative organizations but that they will do so here in Alabama.

Interns were chosen from a group of finalist applicants who participated in an Interview Day with participating employers. The finalists were selected based on interest in tech and entrepreneurship, GPA, race and ethnicity, interview performance, enrollment status, and the ability to reflect the program’s commitment to a holistic and inclusive approach.