University of Alabama System announces 2026 Capitol Scholars

The University of Alabama 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.

“The Capitol Scholars Program offers students across the UA System an unmatched opportunity to develop professional skills and strengthen their career prospects,” said Ray Cole, UA System Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs.

“Through direct engagement with federal policy-making and robust networking opportunities in D.C., these students gain unique experiences that support their long-term success.”

The 2026 Capitol Scholars will participate in internships within Alabama 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.

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

“We are excited to welcome the third cohort of Capitol Scholars and to work with these exceptional UA System students,” said Executive Director Carroll Phelps, who brings decades of experience leading internship programs based in Washington, D.C.

“We 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.”

Students at each of the UA System’s three doctoral research institutions – The University of Alabama (UA), The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) – 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.

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

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, Alabama, is a senior at UAB, majoring in economics.
Kameron Baba of Gadsden, Alabama, 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, Alabama, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in cybersecurity engineering.
Isabella Clements of Madison, Alabama, is a senior at UAB, majoring in public health and pursuing a Masters of Public Health.
Reginald Clifton of Alexander City, Alabama, is a senior at UA, majoring in accounting.
Destiney Crawford of Pike Road, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and legal history.
Anna Dickey of Montgomery, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in business management.
Georgia Erbe of Florence, Alabama, is a junior at UAB, majoring in political science.
Braeden Hayes of Gurley, Alabama, is a junior at UAH, majoring in political science.
LoriElle Hutchinson of Huntsville, Alabama, 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, Alabama, 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, Alabama, is a junior at UAH, majoring in industrial and systems engineering.
Madelyn Parks of Spanish Fort, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and criminology.
Andrew Stovall of Winfield, Alabama, is a first-year law student at The University of Alabama School of Law.
Mary Sullivan of Hoover, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science.