Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

StacStart, a programme of Conclase Academy, is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, hiring partners, corporate clients, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information in compliance with U.S. privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), as well as Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) for students and applicants located in Canada.

2. Information We Collect

• Personal Information: name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and location (including country, state, or province).
• Educational Information: programme selected (Foundational, Advanced Apprenticeship, or Momentum), track interests, application responses, enrollment details, coursework progress, and certifications earned.
• Incentive & Eligibility Information: for Momentum Programme applicants, information reasonably necessary to determine and administer incentive eligibility and disbursement.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and website usage analytics.
• Hiring Partner Information: company name, contact details, industry, hiring needs, and related information submitted through the Become a Hiring Partner form.
• Payment Information (Corporate Training only): processed via PCI-DSS-compliant third-party payment providers; StacStart does not collect or store payment information for individual student programmes, as these are tuition-free.
• AI & Automated Decision-Making: used to assess student applications and personalize learning experiences.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Process applications and enrollment, and determine programme placement.
• Administer Momentum Programme incentives.
• Connect students with mentors and hiring partners.
• Improve our learning platform and support.
• Send programme-related updates, promotional content, and newsletters (opt-out available at any time).
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Sharing of Information

StacStart does not sell personal data. We may share information with: third-party service providers supporting our educational and operational functions; hiring partners, but only with student consent and only for recruitment purposes; and legal authorities when required by law.

5. Data Storage & Security

• Personal data is stored on secure U.S.-based servers.
• Security measures include encryption, firewalls, and access controls.
• International data transfers comply with applicable U.S. legal requirements.

6. Your Rights Under U.S. and Canadian Privacy Laws

Users may request access, deletion, or correction of their personal data under CCPA and CPA by contacting privacy@stacstart.us. Users located in Canada may exercise equivalent rights under PIPEDA by contacting the same address.

7. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

StacStart does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If such data is identified, it will be deleted. Enrollment eligibility and required parental or guardian consent for applicants under 18 are set out in the StacStart Terms & Conditions, Section 9.

8. Data Breach Notification Policy

Affected users will be notified within 30 days via email and website announcement.

9. Opt-Out & Marketing Preferences

Users may opt out of marketing emails via unsubscribe links or by emailing privacy@stacstart.us.

10. Payment & Financial Data (Corporate Training Only)

Corporate Training payments are processed via PCI-DSS-compliant third-party providers. StacStart does not store payment details. Individual student programmes do not involve payment data, as they are tuition-free.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This policy may be updated periodically, with significant changes communicated via email or website notice.

12. Contact Information