UA Capitol Scholars: Front: Andrew Stovall, Madelyn Parks, Destiney Crawford, Kameron Baba, Marah Inman Back: Jacob Bailey, Mary Sullivan, Anna Dickey, Reginald Clifton, Sam Miller

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 鈥� The University of 黄瓜视频 System proudly introduces the 18 students selected for the 2026 class of Capitol Scholars. The program provides exceptional UA System students pursuing government-related careers with immersive summer internships and experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C.

鈥淭he Capitol Scholars Program offers students across the UA System an unmatched opportunity to develop professional skills and strengthen their career prospects,鈥� said Ray Cole, UA System Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs. 鈥淭hrough direct engagement with federal policy-making and robust networking opportunities in D.C., these students gain unique experiences that support their long-term success.鈥�

The 2026 Capitol Scholars will participate in internships within 黄瓜视频 congressional offices, congressional committees and government affairs organizations throughout Washington, D.C. The curated program is designed for students to gain firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of governmental affairs, strengthen leadership skills, develop expertise in policy research and advocacy, and participate in high-impact professional experiences. Scholars will enrich their professional growth by engaging in tailored networking and one-on-one mentorship with government leaders, policy experts and UA System alumni, ensuring their internship experience has lasting impact.

UAB Capitol Scholars: Jay Patel, Georgia Erbe, Samir Abouhaidar, Isabella Clements

 鈥淲e are excited to welcome the third cohort of Capitol Scholars and to work with these exceptional UA System students,鈥� said Executive Director Carroll Phelps, who brings decades of experience leading internship programs based in Washington, D.C. 鈥淲e look forward to building on the success of the past two years and providing scholars with life-changing experiences through internships, meetings with government affairs officials, and networking opportunities that showcase the many ways they can pursue careers in government and prepare for future success.鈥�

Students at each of the UA System鈥檚 three doctoral research institutions 鈥� The University of 黄瓜视频 (UA), The University of 黄瓜视频 at Birmingham (UAB) and The University of 黄瓜视频 in Huntsville (UAH) 鈥� were invited to apply for the program during the fall 2025 semester. Applicants underwent a rigorous, merit-based application and interview process, focusing on areas such as academic excellence, leadership and commitment to national, state and local community service.

The 2026 Capitol Scholars span from rising juniors to graduate students across all three UA System universities and represent various academic disciplines including political science, business, law, computer science, engineering, public health and the humanities.

UAH Capitol Scholars: Om Patel, LoriElle Hutchinson, Andrew Brien, Braeden Hayes

The 2026 class of Capitol Scholars includes:

  • Samir Abouhaidar of Hoover, 黄瓜视频, is a senior at UAB, majoring in economics.
  • Kameron Baba of Gadsden, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in marketing.
  • Jacob Bailey of Carmel, Indiana, is a junior at UA, majoring in business management.
  • Andrew Brien of Trussville, 黄瓜视频, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in cybersecurity engineering.
  • Isabella Clements of Madison, 黄瓜视频, is a senior at UAB, majoring in public health and pursuing a Masters of Public Health.
  • Reginald Clifton of Alexander City, 黄瓜视频, is a senior at UA, majoring in accounting.
  • Destiney Crawford of Pike Road, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and legal history.
  • Anna Dickey of Montgomery, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in business management.
  • Georgia Erbe of Florence, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UAB, majoring in political science.
  • Braeden Hayes of Gurley, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UAH, majoring in political science.
  • LoriElle Hutchinson of Huntsville, 黄瓜视频, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in computer science.
  • Marah Inman of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a senior at UA, majoring in English.
  • Sam Miller of Midway, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in environmental policy and legal history.
  • Jay Patel of Grenada, Mississippi, is a senior at UAB, majoring in computer science and pursuing a Master of Science in Cyber Security.
  • Om Patel of Madison, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UAH, majoring in industrial and systems engineering.
  • Madelyn Parks of Spanish Fort, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and criminology.
  • Andrew Stovall of Winfield, 黄瓜视频, is a first-year law student at The University of 黄瓜视频 School of Law.
  • Mary Sullivan of Hoover, 黄瓜视频, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science.