Privacy Policy
Effective date: June 4, 2025
1. Who we are
The DataJam is a nonprofit educational program that runs data science competitions and mentorship programs for middle school, high school, and community college students. This policy describes how we handle personal information collected through our website at thedatajam.org.
2. Information we collect
- Newsletter subscriptions: When you subscribe to The DataJam Download we collect your email address and the audience category you select (e.g., student, teacher). This information is used solely to send program updates.
- Contact forms: If you fill out an interest or registration form on the site we collect the information you provide (name, email, school, and other fields listed on the form) to administer the program.
- Analytics cookies: With your consent we use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymised usage data (pages visited, session duration, general location) to improve the site. Analytics are only activated after you accept cookies.
- Strictly necessary data: Basic server logs may be retained by our hosting provider (Firebase / Google Cloud) for security and reliability purposes.
3. How we use your information
- Send newsletters and program updates you signed up for
- Manage participant registration and mentorship matching
- Understand site usage to improve content and navigation
- Respond to enquiries sent to our contact email
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
4. Children's privacy (COPPA)
The DataJam programs are open to students of all ages, including children under 13. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental or guardian consent. Registration and newsletter sign-up for participants under 13 must be completed by a parent or guardian.
- Analytics cookies that could track individual behaviour are opt-in and are not activated for sessions where no consent has been given.
- If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, please contact us at datajam@thedatajam.org and we will delete it promptly.
5. Cookies
We use three categories of cookies:
- Necessary cookies: Required for the site to function (e.g., storing your cookie preferences). These are always active.
- Analytics cookies: Google Analytics 4 — activated only with your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time via the cookie banner.
- Marketing cookies: Currently not used. Reserved for future use and will only be activated with explicit consent.
You can manage or withdraw your cookie consent at any time by clearing your browser's localStorage for this site or contacting us.
6. Data retention
Newsletter subscriber records are retained until you unsubscribe. Form submission data is retained for the duration of the relevant program year and then deleted or anonymised. You may request deletion of your data at any time.
7. Your rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Object to or restrict certain processing
- Data portability
To exercise any of these rights, email us at datajam@thedatajam.org. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Third-party services
- Google Firebase / Firestore: Our database and hosting provider. Data is stored in the United States.
- Google Analytics 4: Analytics platform — activated only with consent.
- Mailgun: Used to send newsletters and email blasts.
Each of these services has its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review them.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted at the top of this page with a revised effective date.
10. Contact
Questions about this policy? Reach us at datajam@thedatajam.org.