Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 28, 2025
Last Updated: September 28, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how STEM for Students (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information in the course of providing educational services. STEM for Students is operated by Adaptive Machines LLC. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Our Commitment to Privacy

We collect only the information necessary to provide our educational services. We never sell personal data. Identifiable student information (such as voice, video, or name) is never reused, shared, or repurposed. Only anonymized interactions may be used to improve our courses and to create educational resources that may be offered in future programs or licensed to universities and other organizations.

1. Information We Collect

We collect limited personal information necessary to deliver our services:

• Identity and Contact Information: Name, email address, and, if applicable, parent or guardian email address.
• Registration Information: Age category (13–17 or 18+), residency (U.S. or non-U.S.), and consent confirmation.
• Payment Information: Payment details processed by trusted third-party providers such as Stripe or PayPal. STEM for Students does not have access to credit card numbers.
• Technical Data: Device, browser, IP address, and usage information.
• Interaction Data:
• Questions, answers, and participation in courses and live sessions.
• Identifiable data (voice, video, name) is never reused, shared, or sold.
• Anonymized interactions may be used for service improvement, future course development, or creation of educational resources that may be licensed to universities and other organizations.

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Process payments and manage accounts.
• Deliver and improve educational services.
• Communicate with students and parents regarding our services.
• Send emails, educational tips, and promotional offers (only with prior consent).
• Develop future courses and educational materials using anonymized data.

3. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Secure accounts and enable login.
• Analyze site usage and improve performance.
• Store preferences and settings.
• Deliver relevant content and marketing where legally permitted.

You can manage cookies through browser settings. Some features may not function if cookies are disabled. See our Cookie Policy for details.

4. Data Retention

• We retain information only as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal or operational requirements.
• Standard retention is three (3) years, unless a longer period is required by law.
• Parents or students may request deletion of data at any time through our Contact Us form.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information. We may share data only with:

• Service Providers: Google, Zoom, WordPress, Kajabi, Make, Wave, Stripe, PayPal, and others for course delivery, payment, communication, and site management. These providers operate under their own privacy policies.
• Legal Compliance: Where disclosure is required by law or to protect our legal rights.
• Business Transfers: If Adaptive Machines LLC undergoes a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, data may transfer to the successor entity.

6. Data Security

We use encryption, secure servers, and monitoring to protect personal data. While no system is completely secure, we take reasonable measures to safeguard all student and parent information.

7. Data Breach Notification

In case of a data breach affecting personal information, we will investigate promptly, mitigate risks, and notify affected individuals and regulators as required by law.

8. Children’s Privacy and Parental Consent

Our enrollment rules follow child privacy regulations. In the United States, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) prohibits us from enrolling children under 13 and allows students ages 13–17 to register with self-attestation. Outside the U.S., stricter global laws such as the GDPR (EU/UK), the India DPDP Act, and similar regulations in South Korea, Japan, China, and other jurisdictions require explicit parental consent for students under 18. To comply with these standards globally and protect student privacy, we apply the following registration requirements:

• Learners under 13
• We do not knowingly enroll or collect data from children under 13. If such data is identified, it will be deleted.
• Learners ages 13–17 (U.S. Residents)
• Students must self-attest that they meet the age requirement and that they have obtained parental or guardian consent if required by their family.
• Learners ages 13–17 (Non-U.S. Residents)
• Students must provide a parent or guardian email, which we will use to send a consent request to the parent or guardian for their registration. Our services will begin only after parental consent is confirmed.
• Accuracy and Misrepresentation
• We rely on accurate registration information, including name, email, residency (U.S. or non-U.S.), age category (13–17 or 18+), and parental consent details where required. 
• We are not responsible or liable for false information provided by students, parents, or guardians. 
• Misrepresentation may result in suspension or termination without refund and may require verification before restoring access.
• Parental Rights
• Parents and guardians may review, update, or request deletion of their child’s data at any time by contacting us using our Contact Us form.

9. International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred outside the country of residence. For EU/EEA and UK users, transfers are safeguarded using Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other lawful mechanisms.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access personal data we hold.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion when data is no longer necessary.
• Withdraw consent to marketing communications.

Requests may be submitted through our Contact Us form.

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, United States. For non-U.S. students, local privacy laws may also apply.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted with an updated “Last Updated” date. For material changes, we will provide notice by email or website banner.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us using our Contact Us form.