PIKE ROAD, AL – As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the state, the Town of Pike Road is looking to the future by investing in young professionals today.
The town recently wrapped up a highly successful summer intern program, marking the third year of its collaboration with Innovate Alabama. The initiative gives college students an inside look at municipal government while helping them build real-world skills, confidence and professional connections.
Internship Coordinator Sherri Eason said this year’s group brought something special to the work of the town.
“This group, this 2026 group of interns brought the energy and the connectivity,” Eason said.
Eason noted that the interns anticipated the town’s needs and kept the community engaged throughout the summer. In turn, the students credited Eason for setting the tone, acting as a strong role model who provided a balance of freedom and guidance.
For the interns, the experience was eye-opening. Auburn University student Aliyah Watts said she learned a lot about how local government actually works.
“It really did fascinate me at first, which is why I chose this internship, and I felt like I really learned a lot of things about how things run,” Watts said.
The program did more than just teach the students about municipal government, it also pushed them to grow. Alabama State University student Will Hocutt said he learned how to navigate different communication styles as the group tackled tasks head-on.
“Like I said, we were given tasks, but they didn’t have instructions, and we went out and accomplished those things,” Hocutt said.
Through it all, the students said they grew professionally and personally. They learned to advocate for their ideas, navigate challenges and develop as leaders. Auburn University student Ellen Barnett said the internship helped her form unexpected bonds.
“I didn’t expect to grow this close with a team in this short amount of time,” Barnett said.
The town leadership recognized the interns’ impact.
“They anticipated what the needs and the questions may be, and they showcased that for the Town of Pike Road,” Eason said. “And so we are just absolutely blessed to have them on the team.”
All three interns said they would highly recommend the program to others. As the students head back to campus this fall, they leave Pike Road with real-world experience and a stronger foundation for their future careers. Eason said she hopes the town can continue building on the success of this year’s program.