In New York State, a rewarding partnership has developed between GLOBE and the Fulton­Montgomery Education Initiative (FMEI), an organization created to improve the educational and economic development of Fulton and Montgomery Counties. In 1995, Fulton­Montgomery Community College established a partnership with NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. From this early partnership, a consortium developed which also included the thirteen area school districts and the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services. FMEI also has established collaborative efforts with local Chambers of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Natural Partners Initiative.

FMEI's unique approach in bringing educational institutions together lead to an almost immediate working relationship with GLOBE. Faculty and administrators of FMEI schools discovered many educational benefits were possible for students by becoming GLOBE schools. In January 1997, a GLOBE Teacher Training Workshop was held at the Fulton­Montgomery Community College. From this effort, an area with no GLOBE trained teachers suddenly had 45!

Having so many GLOBE teachers in a small geographic area is a definite advantage for support, further training, and the dissemination of ideas. The advantage extends within schools, as most schools have several GLOBE trained teachers. Many schools have acquired equipment and begun submitting data. Several schools, such as Boulevard School in Gloverville, pictured here, have had a GLOBE kick­off day. Others are investigating the possibility of connecting GLOBE schools to local television stations to supply weather information.

The FMEI and GLOBE partnership has also impressed two New York state legislative representatives. Senator Hugh Farley, 44th District, and Rep. Paul Tonko, 105th District, have each allocated $10,000 to support FMEI's work with GLOBE. This funding will allow schools to obtain equipment and to receive additional GLOBE training.