This Privacy Policy explains the types of information we collect and how we use, disclose, and protect it when you participate in the National STEM Festival. By using our website(s) and mobile app(s), you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

EXPLR PBC INC (“EXPLR”) and Goodwall (“Goodwall”) (collectively “us” or “we”) offer the 2025 National STEM Festival via web and mobile platforms (“Platforms”). Goodwall is the administrator of student submissions and the review process.

Our submission process complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”).

Collecting Your Information

Information Provided to Us: We collect information you and others provide when signing up and submitting an application. The type of personal information depends on how you interact with the Platforms. Information may include:

• Students: First and last name, birthdate, username, password, email address, telephone number, zip code, school, grade, and optional data like race and gender. We also collect content such as photos, videos, and audio from student submissions. Additional documents may be requested to verify eligibility and award prizes.

• Parents/Guardians: First and last name, zip code, telephone number, and email address, used to contact, obtain consent, and verify student information.

• Reviewers: First and last name, email, phone number, address, company/organization/school, job title, and industry. Optionally, race and gender may be provided.

Information We Collect Automatically: When interacting with the Platforms, we automatically collect information such as IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and time spent on pages. This helps us monitor and improve the Platforms. Technologies used include:

• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to recognize your browser and remember login information. Cookies can be managed through browser settings.

• Pixel Tags: Small images on web pages or emails to track when they are viewed or opened.

• Mixpanel & Segment: Tools to improve services, provide personalized content, and consolidate user data for analysis.

Using Your Information

We use your information to:

• Review student submissions and assign judges.

• Deliver and improve the Platforms.

• Contact potential winners and verify eligibility.

• Send administrative messages related to the Platforms.

• Provide customized user dashboards and event information.

• Investigate potential violations, fraud, or unlawful activities.

Aggregated, anonymized data may be used to improve products and tailor learning experiences.

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your information. We may share your information with:

• Service providers to help deliver the Platforms (e.g., customer service, database management).

• Reviewers and consultants for the review process.

• Law enforcement or government bodies as required by law or to protect safety and legal rights.

• In the event of a reorganization, merger, or sale, your information will remain subject to this Privacy Policy.

Student Submissions

Submissions may be displayed in a public gallery. We will obtain consent from you or your parent/guardian (if under 18) before posting content with personally identifiable information.

Children’s Privacy

The Platforms comply with COPPA and relevant state laws protecting children’s privacy. Personal information from children under 13 is collected only with parental consent. Parents/guardians may also request access or deletion of their child’s information by contacting dpo@goodwall.org.

How To Access and Modify Your Information

You may review, correct, update, or request deletion of your personal information by emailing us at nationalstemfestival@explr-media.com. Parents/guardians may also request access or deletion of their child’s information by contacting dpo@goodwall.org.

Data Retention

We retain your information as long as your account is active. Inactive accounts are deactivated, and personal information is deleted per our data retention policy. De-identified data, including entries displayed in Festival galleries, may be retained for educational and analytical purposes.

Third-Party Links

The Platforms may contain links to third-party websites. These sites are not controlled by us, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies before engaging with them. We are not responsible for their content or practices.

Security

We use commercially reasonable safeguards to protect your data from loss, unauthorized access, destruction, or misuse. Data is stored in cloud environments with firewalls and is encrypted during transit. However, we are not responsible for unforeseeable security incidents.

Opt-Out

You can opt out of receiving promotional emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email or by contacting nationalstemfestival@explr-media.com. Essential communications, such as legal notices, may still be sent.

For California Residents

We do not share personal information for marketing purposes. For additional privacy details or to request deletion of your personal data, contact nationalstemfestival@explr-media.com. We currently do not respond to “Do Not Track” signals, but may reassess if an industry standard emerges.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy in the future. Changes will be posted on the Platform, and material updates will be communicated via email 30 days in advance. By continuing to participate, you consent to any updates.

Last updated: October 8, 2024