William R. Pettiford Fellowship

The William R. Pettiford Fellowship is the cornerstone of the Alabama Bankers Guild’s commitment to growing the next generation of financial leaders. Named in honor of Alabama’s first Black-owned and operated bank founder, this competitive 8-month experience is designed for college juniors and seniors who are serious about building careers in banking, finance, and community wealth-building.

Fellows gain unparalleled access to industry leaders, participate in professional development seminars, and complete a hands-on capstone project that connects classroom learning with real-world application. They also receive personalized mentorship, a professional headshot, exposure to internship and job opportunities, and post-program membership in the Guild as emerging leaders.

This is more than a resume builder — it’s a launchpad into Alabama’s financial sector.

Program highlights include:

• A cohort of 20–30 college students statewide
• Monthly hybrid sessions from September to April
• Financial skills workshops, site visits, and community engagement
• Mentorship from leading professionals across the industry
• A culminating capstone project focused on financial access and innovation