The Alabama Student Retention Council

Alabama's leaders are dedicated to investing in the State's future. As we look towards the 22nd century it is more important than ever that we recruit and retain our college graduates to propel us into the knowledge-based economy of tomorrow. We know that the strongest voice to reach students is, well students, so The Higher Education Partnership is proud to host the Student Retention Council working to build a statewide campaign made for students, by students designed to encourage your fellow students to consider Alabama.

Students from each of Alabama's 14 public universities will be appointed by their University President to serve on the Student Retention Council. Students will work together to design and implement an innovative campaign on their campuses responding to a key problem facing Alabama. Student members will participate in training and innovation and entrepreneurship and receive community mentoring and advice. At the end of their term, students will have the opportunity to present their work to key stakeholders across the State.

About the Program

Projects

Over the last four years, students worked together to reach more than 5,000 of their peers through direct communication efforts to encourage them to stay in Alabama after graduation.

They also began the development of key solutions that could be implemented to raise awareness of the state's assets and access to Alabama's opportunities for college students and young professionals.

They also hosted productive discussions with community and business leaders about key opportunities for development in Alabama.

At the conclusion of each year, they shared a detailed report of their progress with State Leaders.

Read each cohort's report below.

Read the 24-25 Final Report

Read the 23-24 Final Report

Read the 22-23 Final Report

Get Involved: 2026 - 2027

src APPLY

We are seeking statewide leaders for the 2026-2027 school year! If you're an undergraduate student with a passion for making Alabama a post-graduate destination, one of these roles may be for you. Our 5 leadership members will work together to implement pilot projects in key areas that will improve oppotunities and quality of life for college graduates in Alabama. Read below or click here to learn more about the open positions and apply.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 9:00 A.M. MAY 18, 2025.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Jump to the Application

The Higher Education Partnership was selected for Innovate Alabama's "Innovative Entity" designation for the work of the Student Retention Council. As a result, we were excited to expand the roles on the SRC to include leadership positions that will grow the capacity for work with our community partners and build on targeted messaging to strategically reach even more students on campuses in the 2024 - 2025 school year. These positions will be selected through an application process open to all students from across the state.

Additionally, we will continue to host SRC members appointed by the University President or Chancellor.

Student Benefits

Collaborate on Design

Student Retention Council Members will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers from across the State to learn and apply Innovation and Design-Thinking Concepts to key issues facing the state. Together, they'll design an exciitng program that can be implemented on each campus.

Lead on Campus

Retention Council members will each return to their own campus to execute their program. They'll check in regularly with mentors and advisors who will offer support and encoruagement.

Network Across the State

One student will be chosen from each of the State's 14 public universities to serve on the Council. The Council will work together for the duration of the school year and receive opportunities to meet with and learn from key state leaders, allowing for unique opportunities for students to build their network across the State.