Last updated September 16, 2026.
Initiative Science, LLC, doing business as STEM.org Educational Research™ (“STEM.org,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), operates STEM.org and related research and credentialing services. This Privacy Policy explains the information involved when you visit the website, contact us, apply for or manage a credential, enroll in a service, or participate through an authorized organization.
Information We Collect
- Account and contact information: names, email addresses, organizational affiliations, contact details, and authentication information used to create or manage an account.
- Application materials: professional or institutional details, educational qualifications, product information, curriculum descriptions, and evidence submitted for evaluation.
- Credential records: holder and organization details, STEM IDs, trustmark types, issuance or expiration dates, evaluation records, and current status.
- Service communications: inquiries, application updates, support requests, cancellation notices, and other correspondence.
- Website-use and security information: pages visited, interaction events, browser and device information, network information such as IP addresses, and cookie or similar identifiers. Some of this information may qualify as personal information.
- Transaction information: amounts, payment and subscription status, processor references, and limited payment-method details supplied by the payment provider. Card payments are handled through Stripe. Do not send complete payment-card information through email or ordinary application uploads.
We may receive relevant information from an authorized applicant, school, employer, issuer, credential provider, payment processor, or other service provider. Please submit only information you are entitled to share and that is needed for the relevant task.
How We Use Information
We use information to respond to inquiries; evaluate applications; deliver purchased services; issue, verify, and administer credentials; manage authorized payments and renewals; communicate decisions and service updates; investigate billing or cancellation requests; maintain records; improve the website; prevent misuse; and meet legal obligations.
Receipts, security alerts, application messages, and other necessary service communications are separate from optional promotional communications. You may opt out of promotional emails using their unsubscribe method or by contacting us. That choice does not by itself stop essential messages about an account, transaction, or credential.
Credential Verification and Public Records
Information made available for public credential verification may include a holder’s name or organization, trustmark type, STEM ID, issue or expiration dates, and credential status. The fields shown depend on the credential and verification service. Public records are distinct from private application evidence, billing details, and support correspondence.
Credential records may be issued or verified through our third-party credentialing service provider and may use blockchain-related verification. Some records held on third-party or immutable systems can have limits on alteration or deletion. Contact us to discuss correction, suppression, or other available options. This notice does not authorize publication of a student’s private contact details or application evidence.
Service Providers and Other Disclosures
Providers involved in the services include our credentialing service provider for credential-related functions, Stripe for payments, and Cloudways for hosting. We also use providers for email delivery, account and form functions, website analytics, security, scheduling, and embedded content. Google Analytics and Crazy Egg integrations are described in the Cookie Policy. The providers involved depend on the particular service used.
Information may be shared with personnel, reviewers, and authorized regional partners when relevant to handling an inquiry or providing the requested service. We may also disclose information when required by law, to address fraud or protect lawful rights, or in connection with a legitimate business transfer subject to applicable privacy obligations. A linked third-party website may have its own privacy practices; review its notice before providing information there.
Legal Grounds and Your Choices
Where a law requires a legal basis for processing, the basis depends on the context and may include providing a requested service or contract, complying with legal duties, legitimate operational or security interests where permitted, or consent where required. Providing information for an application is not blanket consent to unrelated marketing or optional tracking.
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or receive a copy of your information; restrict or object to processing; withdraw consent; or complain to a relevant privacy authority. Contact info@stem.org to make a request. We may need proportionate information to verify identity or authority. Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing lawfully completed before withdrawal.
Retention
Retention depends on the service and purpose. Credential and application records may be needed for verification, appeals, renewals, audit integrity, and legal recordkeeping. Transaction and cancellation records may be needed for accounting, disputes, and compliance. We retain information only as needed for the relevant purposes and legal obligations, and assess deletion requests in that context. Retention in backup copies or third-party verification systems may differ from the live account record.
Children and Student Information
The commercial account and purchasing functions are intended for adults or authorized organizations. Student recognition, including STEM.org Endorsed™, is handled through authorized issuers and applicable program arrangements. Information about a child should be submitted only by someone with the required authority and, where necessary, appropriate parent, guardian, or school consent. Please do not encourage a child to open a commercial account or submit unnecessary personal information.
Contact us promptly if you believe a child’s information has been submitted or displayed without the necessary authorization. We will review the concern and take steps required by the circumstances and applicable law.
Security and International Processing
We use safeguards designed to protect information, but no online system or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure. Please avoid sending passwords, complete payment-card details, or unnecessary sensitive records through ordinary email.
STEM.org is based in the United States. Information may be processed in the United States and other countries where relevant providers operate, subject to applicable transfer requirements. Protections and available rights can vary by location.
Updates and Contact
We may update this policy as services or practices change and will provide any notice required by applicable law. For privacy questions, rights requests, or concerns about credential information, contact info@stem.org.
