J-PAL North America has cultivated a research-practice partnership with different agencies in Puerto Rico, including the Puerto Rico Department of Education and the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce. We are committed to working with agencies that have expressed interest in improving their evidence-generating processes and integrating data-driven insights into policy decisions.
J-PAL-affiliated researchers have contributed to the design and implementation of at least four promising programs in Puerto Rico. These programs have aimed to enhance students' academic and social-emotional development, strengthen school principals' management skills, and expand workforce development opportunities.
Our partnership with local agencies has grown stronger by fostering relationships with local personnel, identifying and developing a dedicated team that has endured staff turnover, natural disasters, and periods of uncertainty. All programs and initiatives have been strategically designed to ensure their long-term sustainability.
In the fall of 2025, J-PAL North America launched the AprendeLab, a learning lab designed to support organizations in Puerto Rico embed evaluation and data usage into their programming. Over seven months, participants received tailored training, technical assistance through individualized strategy sessions, opportunities for peer learning, and an applied evaluation workbook.
The AprendeLab brought together participants from five government agencies and nonprofit organizations, building their capacity in program evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making. Participants developed theories of change and measurement strategies for their programs, focused on education, youth development, health, and economic mobility. The cohort convened in person at inaugural and closing events in San Juan, where participants shared priority research questions, exchanged lessons learned, and explored opportunities to conduct randomized evaluations.
Learn more about participants' experiences in this news release »
In this case study, J-PAL North America’s Daniela Gómez Treviño explores lessons learned from collaborating with the Puerto Rico Department of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter highlights how researchers supported the implementation of an online diagnostic assessment to measure student learning, offering insights into managing administrative data disruptions in a rapidly changing environment. Read more »
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Catherine Darrow - Associate Director of Research
Daniela Gomez Treviño - Senior Research and Policy Manager
Laura Ruiz Gaona - Research Manager
Laura Romero Ayala - Senior Policy Associate
Kimberly Massa Nuñez
Sandra Espada-Santos
J-PAL North America is interested in expanding and cultivating new collaboration opportunities with agencies and organizations based in Puerto Rico. If you are interested in working with us please contact Daniela Gómez Treviño at [email protected] and Laura Ruiz-Gaona at [email protected].
