In the late 1990s, Borax España began a partnership with nearby University of Castellón by offering four student internships. Work experience is a requirement at the University, so students got something they needed. Borax did too: bright young students to work on a variety of important projects, ranging from borate research and development to environmental stewardship.

Since the partnership began, Borax has hosted more than 20 student interns. As part of the agreement, students must report the insights they've gained to their professors. One of those students' insights - derived from a high-level research project - helped Borax develop a new borate technology that gives ceramic tile manufacturers the means to lower costs, energy usage and emissions. Click here to learn more.

In 2002, Borax formed another formal partnership with a local college. This time, it was Victor Valley College, near Borax's principle mine site in California's Mojave Desert. Borax cultivates local plant species on the land it's displaced to mine ore, but two native species - Creosote Bush and White Bursage - proved particularly challenging. This was a challenge the company had to overcome to meet the California Department of Conservation's plant diversity requirements.

Victor Valley College's Horticulture Department loves a good challenge. Borax committed almost $40,000 to a three-year partnership with the College. In exchange, horticulture students will determine effective propagation and cultivation techniques as part of their course work. To date, 100 plants, propagated in a campus greenhouse, have been transplanted successfully. This year, the transplant rate will grow to 500 plants. Click here to learn more.