Effective Date: August 7, 2024

At Grounded Works (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), we are deeply committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our website visitors, partner organizations, youth participants, and families. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website (the “Site”) or interact with our workshops, labs, and programs (collectively, the “Services”).

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Site or Services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide directly to us, as well as limited technical information collected automatically when you visit our Site.

A. Information You Provide to Us

• Inquiry & Contact Forms: When you complete our "Partner With Us" or general contact form, we may collect your name, job title, organization/school name, email address, target age group, estimated participant count, preferred timeline, and program interests.

• Program Evaluations & Surveys: When participants or organizational partners complete pre- and post-workshop evaluation surveys (such as measuring resume confidence or interview preparedness), we collect feedback, scores, and reflections. Survey data is typically collected in an aggregated or anonymized format.

• Direct Communications: If you email us directly, we collect your email address and any information included in your message.

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Log & Technical Data: Like most websites, our server may automatically log standard technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, pages viewed, and access times.

• Cookies & Analytics: We may use standard browser cookies or basic analytics tools to understand website traffic, monitor Site performance, and improve user experience. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features of the Site may not function properly.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for legitimate educational and business purposes, including to:

• Respond to inquiries, custom proposal requests, and partnership applications.

• Design, deliver, and customize our youth career-readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programming.

• Measure and summarize program impact and survey outcomes (e.g., evaluating pre- and post-workshop readiness metrics).

• Communicate updates, cohort details, or partner recap reports.

• Maintain, secure, and improve the functionality and design of our Site.

• Comply with legal obligations or enforce our Terms & Conditions.

3. Youth Privacy & Children’s Information

Protecting youth privacy is central to our mission.

• Grounded Works Junior (Elementary Students): Grounded Works does not knowingly collect personal information directly from elementary school children online through the Site. Elementary workshops are conducted exclusively in partnership with schools, churches, or community centers, and any required parental/guardian consent is managed directly through those host organizations.

• Youth & Young Adults (Ages 14–24): Information collected during youth labs or workshops (such as Status-to-Strategy Maps or feedback surveys) is used strictly for skill-building, program evaluation, and qualitative impact measurement. We do not sell or rent youth participant data to third-party marketers.

4. Media, Photos, & Participant Identity

• Media Release Agreements: We value the dignity, image, and voice of all young people. Photos, videos, or audio recordings taken during Grounded Works workshops or events for marketing, social media, or website use are gathered only with explicit media release consent obtained prior to the program session through partner organizations or parents/guardians.

• Anonymized Impact Reporting: Quotes, testimonials, or survey results used on our website or marketing decks are presented anonymously or with first names only to protect participant identity unless explicit permission is granted.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, trade, or lease your personal information to third parties for commercial marketing. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We may share basic data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Site, hosting our forms, or managing emails, subject to strict confidentiality rules.

• Partner Outcome Summaries: Aggregate, non-identifiable survey results (e.g., percentage increases in participant confidence) are shared with contracting schools, funders, or non-profit partners to demonstrate program impact.

• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to protect the safety, rights, and property of Grounded Works, our participants, or the public.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical measures to help safeguard your personal information against loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Choices & Data Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access & Correction: Requesting a copy of the personal information we hold about you or requesting corrections.

• Opt-Out: Unsubscribing from optional communications or newsletters at any time by following the instructions in the email.

• Deletion: Requesting that we delete your contact information from our active records.

To exercise any of these choices, please email us directly at aiyanaLspencer@gmail.com.

8. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites or partner portals (e.g., Boston Public Schools, community organizations, or educational resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted directly on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

Grounded Works

Email:aiyanaLspencer@gmail.com