Privacy Policy

🔒 Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 1, 2024

Project Combustion: Junior Scientists Club ("we," "our," or "the Club") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information of students and their families. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in accordance with applicable laws of the District of Columbia, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and relevant local privacy protections.

📋 1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information from students and their parents or legal guardians:

Student name, grade level, and school
Parent/guardian name, phone number, and email address
Emergency contact information
Consent forms and waiver submissions
Participation records (e.g., attendance, contest entries, field trip sign-ups)
Photos or videos of students, used only with express permission granted in the signed membership agreement

We do not collect or request Social Security numbers, health records, or financial account information.

🧒 2. Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

We comply fully with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. All registration and information must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

🛡️ 3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information only for the purposes of managing club operations, including:

Communicating with parents or guardians
Coordinating student participation in activities
Organizing contests, awarding prizes, and planning field trips
Publishing student work or highlights (with prior consent)
Using student images or video strictly within the terms of the signed membership agreement

Under no circumstances is personal information ever sold, rented, shared, or disclosed to third parties for any commercial or marketing purposes. All information is used solely for internal club operations and communication.

📸 4. Photos, Videos, and Media Use

Photos and video recordings may be taken during club events and activities. Media is only used publicly (e.g., on the club website or in event recaps) with documented parental or guardian consent, as provided in the Student Membership Agreement. Parents may opt out of media use at any time.

💾 5. Data Storage and Security

All personal information is securely stored and accessible only to authorized club operators. Information submitted via online platforms (e.g., Google Forms, SharePoint) is protected through password-protected systems and industry-standard encryption.

❌ 6. Opt-Out and Rights Under D.C. Law

Under D.C. privacy protections and federal guidelines, parents and legal guardians have the right to:

Request access to or correction of their child’s information
Withdraw consent for specific uses, including media
Request permanent deletion of their child’s data

Requests can be submitted at any time using the contact information below.

📬 7. Contact Information

For questions or to make a privacy-related request, contact:

Project Combustion: Junior Scientists Club
📧 Email: privacy@projectcombustion.com
📞 Phone: TBD
📌 Operators: Larry Pretlow II & Jorge Santiago

⚖️ 8. Legal Disclaimer

This Privacy Policy is intended to provide a general overview of our practices and is not legal advice. While we make every effort to comply with all applicable District of Columbia and federal privacy laws, we encourage families and partners to seek legal counsel for specific legal concerns. This policy may be updated periodically.