Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy explains how STEMForce Academy LLC (“STEMForce Academy,” “STEMForce,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data when you interact with our programs, website, portals, apps, and services.

Questions? Contact us at info@stemforceacademy.com.

1. Who We Are

STEMForce Academy LLC is a Limited Liability Company operating in the United States.

Contact: info@stemforceacademy.com

2. What This Privacy Policy Governs

This Privacy Policy applies to personal data and non-personal data we collect through:

• Our website(s) and landing pages
• Enrollment and scheduling portals
• Any STEMForce Academy mobile applications
• Forms, registrations, workshops, memberships, camps, clubs, and events
• Communications (email, text, phone) and customer support
• Learning platforms and software tools we use for instruction
• Surveys, feedback forms, and program evaluation tools

“Personal data” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or can reasonably be linked to you (Parent/Guardian) or your child (Student).

3. Additional Protection for Children

STEMForce Academy serves children and families. We do not knowingly collect personal data from a child under 13 without parent or legal guardian consent.

If you believe we collected information from a child under 13 without proper consent, contact us at info@stemforceacademy.com and we will take appropriate steps.

4. Information We Collect

4.1 Information You Provide

We may collect:

• Parent/Guardian name
• Student name (as provided by Parent/Guardian)
• Email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Emergency contact information
• Authorized pick-up contacts
• Medical and safety information you choose or are required to provide (such as allergies and conditions)
• Program enrollments, attendance details, and scheduling preferences
• Communication history (emails, messages, customer support requests)

4.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our digital services, we may collect:

• IP address and approximate location (city/state)
• Browser type, device type, operating system
• Pages viewed and usage patterns on our website or portals
• Log files and diagnostic data (such as error logs)

4.3 Payment Information

We do not store full payment card details on our servers. Payments are handled through third-party payment processors and platforms. We may receive transaction details such as:

• Date and amount paid
• Program or purchase description
• Payment status (successful, failed, refunded)
• Limited payer details necessary for receipts and account history

4.4 Education Program Tools and Student Work

Depending on the Program, we may collect or generate Student learning data such as:

• Course progress and completion status
• Project files created during instruction (coding projects, CAD designs, builds, or game assets)
• Classroom account identifiers or usernames used within learning tools
• Basic device or login information required to access instructional platforms

Student projects may be stored within the applicable learning platform or on Academy-managed systems as needed for instruction and support.

5. How We Collect Personal Data

We collect information when you:

• Register or enroll in Programs
• Create or manage an account through our enrollment platform
• Submit forms (medical release forms, authorized pick-up forms, waivers, etc.)
• Communicate with our staff (email, phone, text, or in person)
• Use our website or digital platforms (through cookies and similar tools)
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

6. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data to:

• Provide Programs, instruction, and enrichment services
• Process enrollments, schedules, attendance, and account records
• Communicate updates, reminders, cancellations, closures, and operational information
• Support student learning, track progress, and troubleshoot platform access
• Maintain safety and compliance (authorized pick-up, emergency contact, allergy awareness)
• Prevent fraud, misuse, or unauthorized access
• Improve our programs, services, and user experience
• Maintain records for legal, accounting, and tax compliance
• Send marketing communications when permitted by law (you can opt out at any time)

7. Trusted Partners and Platforms

STEMForce Academy uses trusted third-party service providers (“Trusted Partners”) to operate our business, deliver instruction, communicate with families, and manage enrollment. We share only the minimum information necessary for each partner to perform its role for STEMForce Academy.

Trusted Partners may include:

7.1 Enrollment, Scheduling, and Payments

• MyStudio (registration, scheduling, account management, billing, and communications)

7.2 Communications and Productivity

• Google (such as Google Workspace tools, including email and file storage for Academy operations)

7.3 Learning Management and Course Delivery

• LearnDash (LMS/course delivery, when applicable)

7.4 Instructional Tools and Student Platforms

Depending on the Program and age group, we may use:

• Tynker (coding instruction and student accounts)
• Tinkercad (CAD/design and 3D modeling projects)
• Minecraft Education (educational gameplay and project-based learning)
• Roblox Studio (game creation tools and student projects)

These tools may process account identifiers, course progress, and student-created content within their platforms. Use of these platforms may also be governed by their own privacy policies and terms. This is not an exhaustive list of programs used by STEMForce Academy.

7.5 Website Operations and Analytics

We may use website hosting, security, and analytics providers to maintain platform performance and site reliability. These providers may receive IP address and device/usage data through cookies or similar technologies.

7.6 Legal and Compliance

We may use bookkeeping, accounting, and legal support tools and service providers when necessary to operate our business and comply with applicable laws.

Important: We do not sell your personal data and we do not share your personal data for third-party advertising purposes.

8. HOPE Scholarship and Education Payment Programs

If you use the West Virginia HOPE Scholarship or other education funding/payment programs to pay for eligible STEMForce Academy services, we may collect and store information necessary to:

• Verify eligibility for the transaction
• Match payments to the correct Student account
• Maintain required documentation for accounting and compliance
• Provide receipts, enrollment confirmations, and payment records

This information may include the Student name, Parent/Guardian name, transaction amount, dates of service, and payment status. We do not collect more information than is necessary to process HOPE-related payments and maintain required records.

9. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We and our service providers may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable core site functionality
• Remember preferences
• Measure performance and usage
• Improve user experience

You can manage cookies through browser settings. Some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

10. How We Store and Protect Data

We store data on secure systems in the United States or through Trusted Partners that support our operations.

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. No system is perfectly secure, but we take security seriously and apply commercially reasonable protections.

11. Data Retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary to:

• Provide services and maintain student and family accounts
• Comply with legal, tax, and accounting requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

When data is no longer needed, we delete it or de-identify it unless retention is required by law.

12. Data Sharing

12.1 With Trusted Partners

We share information with Trusted Partners only as needed to provide services such as scheduling, payments, communications, and instruction.

12.2 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information to comply with legal obligations, lawful requests, court orders, or to protect the rights and safety of our students, families, staff, and business.

12.3 Business Transfers

If STEMForce Academy LLC is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or asset transfer, personal data may be transferred as part of that transaction. Any successor will be expected to protect data consistent with this Privacy Policy.

We do not sell personal data. We do not share personal data for third-party advertising purposes.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website or communications may include links to third-party sites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies directly.

14. Text Messages and Push Notifications

If you opt in, we may send text messages or app notifications for reminders and program updates. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can opt out at any time using the instructions provided (for example replying STOP) or by contacting us.

15. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of certain data
• Restrict or object to certain processing
• Request a copy of your data where applicable
• Opt out of marketing communications

To submit a request, contact info@stemforceacademy.com.

California Notice

California residents may have additional rights under California law. We will respond to verified requests as required by law.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy for legal, operational, or service-related reasons. When we update it, we will change the “Last Revised” date at the top.

If changes are material, we will provide additional notice when required. If you do not agree with the updated policy, you must stop using our services.

17. Terms of Service

This Privacy Policy should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions / Terms of Service. Certain terms may govern enrollment, payments, program participation, and dispute resolution.