A new program to encourage students to lay down roots in Tuscaloosa after graduation is open for to up to 40 participants for its inaugural year.

Anchor Tuscaloosa, a talent attraction and retention initiative, is a collaboration of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Visit Tuscaloosa.

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1, and those accepted will be notified by Dec. 20. The free program is available for undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Alabama, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College who have completed at least 30 hours of credit prior to New Year’s Eve.

Anchor Tuscaloosa is similar to Fuel Alabama, an initiative from Innovate Alabama and EPDA, aimed at reversing Alabama’s “brain drain” – the migration of Alabama graduates out-of-state after graduation.

A recent study found Alabama 10th among the states suffering the largest “brain drain” losses, which found the Southeast and parts of the Midwest accounted for the most losses among college educated residents. Retain Alabama, a 2021 report, said Alabama keeps only about 20% of its out-of-state university students one year after graduation.

The rate is better with in-state students, with about two-thirds sticking around one year after graduation – a number hardly worth bragging about. Forbes ranked Alabama the third-worst state by that metric.

To change those numbers, Anchor Tuscaloosa will feature community-building activities through five sessions during the 2025 spring semester, its organizers say.

Participants will experience a Tuscaloosa-area staycation, interact with local and statewide elected officials, as well as figures from business and nonprofit organizations. As a result, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the workforce opportunities and sample the quality of life in west Alabama.

“This program will empower us to engage with students who have a keen interest in locating here post-graduation. We’re excited to showcase why Tuscaloosa County is a vibrant place to live and work,” Justice Smyth, executive director for the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, said.

For more information, email [email protected] or apply at the website.