In 1996 Dr. Juan López-Garriga, through the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, established a partnership with the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program . GLOBE is an educational initiative that includes NASA, NOAA, Puerto Rico Department of Education and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Through GLOBE pre-college students and teachers work with research scientists to learn more about our home planet.  GLOBE protocols include measurements in atmosphere, hydrology, land cover/biology and soils. These environmental measurements are designed to develop skills in chemistry, earth science, mathematics, data analysis, and communications. Furthermore, the program integrates mathematics, social studies, languages and technology into the classroom, develops land cover data, and is a worldwide environmental science and education partnership initiative.  Data acquired by students is reported to the GLOBE data server where it becomes accessible to the scientific and educational community. 

The importance of this program is that  K-12 students are able to learn how to conduct scientific research, while acquiring awareness of the importance of  protecting the environment, and how changes in the environment affect them.  During the summer period teachers visit the Center facilities for a week- long workshop to be trained in the theory, and hands-on aspects of the protocol implementation.  Since 1996 approximately 380 teachers have been trained in GLOBE activities and more than 14,000 students have participated in protocols implementation. The Center also offers Saturday follow-up Academies and visits pre-college schools, in order to help teachers in the adequate implementation of the protocols, and sample measurements. With this combination we assure that a higher number of schools and students will be impacted by the program, providing them the opportunity to participate of this unique experience.