Last updated September 16, 2026.
This Cookie Policy explains how Initiative Science, LLC, doing business as STEM.org Educational Research™ (“STEM.org,” “we,” or “us”), uses cookies and similar technologies on STEM.org to support website functions, security, credentialing services, and website-use analysis. It should be read with our Privacy Policy.
What Cookies and Similar Technologies Do
Cookies are small files stored by a browser. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, and scripts that request information from a service provider. Some expire when a session ends; others persist until their expiry date or until deleted. Technologies and storage periods vary by service, configuration, and browser. Not every external request sets a cookie.
Essential Technologies
WordPress, account, commerce, payment, and security components may use cookies or related storage to maintain a signed-in session, remember transaction state, protect forms, and prevent unauthorized access or fraud. Disabling essential technologies can interfere with login, applications, checkout, or other requested functions. Classification as essential depends on the technology’s actual purpose, not merely the provider’s name.
Functional Technologies
Where implemented, preference storage can remember display or other settings and support an interactive feature requested by a visitor.
Analytics and Experience Measurement
The website includes Google Analytics (GA4) and Crazy Egg integrations for website-use and experience measurement. Depending on configuration, these technologies may process browser or device identifiers, pages visited, interaction events, and related technical data. Reports may be aggregated, but that does not necessarily make all underlying identifiers or event data anonymous.
Analytics and other optional technologies are distinct from technologies strictly needed to deliver a requested service. This policy does not describe optional tracking as essential or waive consent requirements that apply in a visitor’s jurisdiction.
Third-Party Services and Embedded Content
Services used on or linked from STEM.org include Stripe for payment processing and fraud prevention, Google reCAPTCHA for abuse prevention, and UpContent for embedded news. Credential verification, appointment booking, media, and other external services may process technical information when their content is loaded or when you interact with them. Each provider’s practices also depend on its own policies and configuration.
Cloudways provides website hosting. Hosting and security providers may also process technical request information to deliver and protect the website; not every such process involves a browser cookie.
Managing Your Choices
You can use browser settings to view, delete, block, or restrict cookies and site storage. Controls vary by browser and device. Blocking all cookies may prevent some requested services from working, and deleting cookies can also remove saved preferences. Choices on one browser or device do not necessarily apply to another.
Where a cookie preference control is available, you can also use that control to manage the choices it offers. Contact info@stem.org for questions about optional tracking, consent, or other privacy choices.
Changes and Contact
We may update this policy when the website’s technologies or practices change. For questions about cookies or similar technologies, contact info@stem.org.
