From left: Om Patel, LoriElle Hutchinson, Andrew Brien, Braeden Hayes
Michael Mercier | UAH
Four students from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) have been selected to travel to Washington, D.C., next summer for the University of Alabama (UA) System’s 2026 Capitol Scholars program. UAH is a part of the UA System.
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.
“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.
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 Students in the 2026 Capitol Scholars Class
- Andrew Brien of Trussville, Alabama, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in cybersecurity engineering.
- 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.
- Om Patel of Madison, Alabama, is a junior at UAH, majoring in industrial and systems engineering.