Anchor Tuscaloosa

Established in 2024 in response to Governor Kay Ivey’s Retain Alabama initiative, Anchor Tuscaloosa, Powered by FuelAL, seeks to connect college students to opportunities within the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama community.  Anchor Tuscaloosa is a unique enrichment opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students at Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and The University of Alabama.  During the 2026 Spring Semester, selected students will enjoy five sessions where they will network, serve, connect, and grow as they also learn what it’s like to live and work in and around Tuscaloosa and West Alabama.

Participants gain increased knowledge of the area’s economic, social, historical, and political issues and needs.  Anchor Tuscaloosa intends to provide a foundation of knowledge that potential residents and leaders can use to aid their involvement and success in community endeavors!

Interested in Applying? Please Note:

• Participation is free for those selected.
• Past participants are not eligible to reapply.
• Applicants must have completed 30+ credit hours prior to December 31, 2025.
• Participants must attend at least four of the five sessions.
• Students must arrange transportation to each session’s starting point.
• Priority consideration will be given to applicants who plan to stay in the Tuscaloosa, West Alabama, or Alabama area, though all eligible students are encouraged to apply.

We are incredibly grateful to the following partners for helping to make this program possible:  FuelAL, Innovate Alabama, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and Visit Tuscaloosa.

Application Process:

Students interested in joining Anchor Tuscaloosa are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. The selection committee will review all submissions on a rolling basis and will invite top candidates to a 30-minute virtual group interview, scheduled at various times no later than December 10, 2025. Selected students will be notified on or by December 16, 2025.

Important Dates:

• Now – November 21, 2025: Applications close at 11:59 pm (CST) on November 21
• Now – December 10: Committee members to conduct 30-minute virtual group interviews
• December 16: Anchor Tuscaloosa 2025-2026 Class Announcement
• January 16 and 17, 2026: Session #1, A Place at the Table
• February 3, 2026: Session #2, Giving Back, Growing Forward
• February 18 and 19, 2026: Session #3, Voices of Leadership
  • Overnight to Montgomery, Alabama
  • Students will be partnered with a roommate and stay in a hotel during this session.
• March 9, 2026: Session #4, Cultivating a Career in West Alabama
• April 11, 2026: Session #5, The Finale! The TuscaLife in Full Color

Important: Anchor Tuscaloosa will provide letters for professors/instructors to excuse absences from missed classes. Students are responsible for any work missed during the scheduled programming.

Questions? Reach out to info@anchortuscaloosa.com.  A committee member will respond to all emails within two business days.

Reminder:  Students will be notified on December 16, 2025, of their acceptance into the program.

2025 – 2026 Anchor Tuscaloosa Committee:

• Alyson Baxter
• Barkley Garrett
• Jenni Whinery
• Justice Smyth
• Kelsey Rush
• Kyle South
• Liz Moore Benda
• Lucy Bonhaus
• Margaret Babin
• Rylen Dempsey
• Reagan Wells