Privacy & Data Protection policy
Our policies outline how we protect your privacy, uphold ethical standards, and foster an inclusive community. By sharing these commitments, we ensure a safe and respectful space where educators, students, and partners can thrive.
Privacy Policy
The World STEAM Federation (WSF) is committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data.
This Policy Covers:
- Who we are
- What information we collect
- How we use your information
- Who may use your information
- Third-party links and services
- How we protect your information
- Where your information is processed
- Marketing communications
- How long we keep your information
- Changes to this policy
- Site content
- Your rights
- How to contact us
This Policy applies to all personal data we collect about you, including information gathered at events and on the WSF website and any other websites (including mobile access) where this policy is linked, collectively referred to as the “Site.”
The World STEAM Federation (WSF) recognizes the importance of protecting our users’ privacy. To that end, we have created our privacy statement and spam policy to demonstrate our commitment to privacy. This document also outlines how Site content can and cannot be used. Please note that additional spam laws and regulations beyond WSF’s policies may apply to commercial electronic messages sent to individuals who have listed their contact information on the Site.
At our reasonable discretion, we may occasionally amend our Privacy Policy. Any new policy or changes to this Policy will automatically be effective when published on the Site. Therefore, please review this Policy regularly to stay updated. We recommend printing a copy for your records.
You can find details of all our affiliated organizations below:
- WSF Schools Network
- WSF Educators Network
- WSF Students Network
- WSF Industry Partnerships
The World STEAM Federation (WSF) website (available at [WSF Website URL]) is owned and operated by the World STEAM Federation on behalf of its affiliates and subsidiaries. The World STEAM Federation is incorporated in [Location], and its registered office is [Address].
We refer to the World STEAM Federation together with its group entities as “we,” “us,” or “our” in this Policy.
Most information we collect is provided directly by you and may include:
- Contact Information: Name, job title, company name, department, email address, physical mailing address, and telephone number.
- Professional Information: Employment background, job description, and related information.
- Transaction Information: Contact details, services of interest, purchasing requirements, financial information including credit card or other payment details.
- Survey Responses: Information you provide in responding to surveys on the Site, via app or email, phone, or otherwise.
We may also collect and process information obtained through the Site or your device, including:
- Member Information: Username and password.
- Location Information: GPS signals from a mobile device, location data from social media networks or sensor or IP address data from your device.
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, domain name, access times, pages visited within our Site, and referring website addresses.
- Connected Site Information: Information from other sites you ask us to connect with (e.g., Facebook).
- Call Recordings: For quality assurance and training purposes.
Publicly accessible information may be used to verify information provided and manage our organization.
Forms on the website may request contact, financial, and demographic information to deliver requested products or services and notify you of future WSF products, services, and opportunities. Do not supply another person’s personal data unless prompted and you have received that individual’s written consent.
Our primary purpose in collecting your personal data is to provide you with the services you request and optimize your experience on our Site. We may use your personal data for the following purposes:
- To provide the information, services, or support you request and related after-sales services.
- To identify you and contact you with service updates.
- To send messages regarding our programs and services, including awards and updates from WSF and its affiliates.
- To manage our relationship with you and handle related administrative tasks.
- To provide personalized, targeted, or location-based content, services, and advertising.
- To promote our services or those of our partners, including via email and social media (subject to relevant marketing permissions).
- To compare and verify information for accuracy with third parties.
- To detect, investigate, and prevent potentially illegal or harmful activities and enforce our policies.
- To conduct research, including market and statistical research on site traffic and other commercial information to improve our services.
- To track areas of our Site you visit and the time spent to tailor it to better match your interests and preferences.
- To provide a community engagement experience via third-party digital platforms.
We process your personal data where we have your affirmative consent, which you may withdraw at any time, or where necessary for:
- The performance of our contract with you.
- Fulfilling our legal obligations.
- Pursuing our legitimate interests or those of a third party, provided these are not overridden by your rights and interests.
You can object to processing on any of these bases at any time. If you do so, we will stop processing your personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your rights and interests, or if the data is needed to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.
For more details, refer to the “Your Rights” section below.
Cookies are small pieces of information stored by your browser on your computer’s hard drive. Our Site uses cookies to facilitate access and enhance your experience. They help speed up navigation, track items, and provide custom-tailored content. We use four types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for providing services you request, such as staying logged into your WSF account. Blocking these cookies may affect site functionality.
- Performance Cookies: Measure site usage to improve user experience. For example, Google Analytics helps us understand your journey through the site.
- Functionality Cookies: Recognize you and remember your preferences/settings for a personalized experience.
- Advertising Cookies: Collect information about your visit to show relevant ads. These include details like the content you viewed, the links you followed, and your browser/device information.
These technologies help us analyze trends, administer the Site, track user movements, and gather demographic information. We automatically collect data such as IP addresses, browser type, ISP, referring/exit pages, OS, date/time stamps, and clickstream data.
We generally need your consent to use cookies on our Site, except for essential cookies necessary to provide you with requested services (e.g., enabling you to add items to your shopping cart and use our checkout process). If you visit our Site with your browser set to accept cookies, we interpret this as consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can change your browser settings to reject or disable cookies, but this may affect Site functionality. For further information about cookies and how to disable them, visit the UK Information Commissioner’s webpage on cookies.
We do not knowingly collect or process data from children under the age of thirteen (13) years old.
We use a number of suppliers that may also set cookies on your device on our behalf when you visit WSF websites to allow them to deliver the services they provide. When you visit WSF websites, you may receive cookies from third-party websites or domains. We endeavor to identify these cookies before they are used so that you can decide whether or not you wish to accept them. For some online marketing activities, we use services like NextRoll. If you would like to learn more about NextRoll and the California Consumer Privacy Act, please click here. You can opt-out of cookie remarketing at any time by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
We are committed to keeping your email address confidential. We do not sell, rent, or lease our subscription lists to third parties. However, we may disclose your personal data under certain circumstances:
- Legal and Security Purposes: To enforce our policies, comply with legal obligations, or in the interests of security, public interest, or law enforcement. This may include responding to requests from law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, or governmental entities.
- Litigation: In connection with actual or proposed litigation, or to protect our property, security, people, and other rights or interests.
- Service Providers: We share your information with third parties who assist us in delivering our services, such as hosting our web servers, analyzing data, providing marketing assistance, community engagement, and customer service. These companies have access to your personal information only as necessary to perform their functions and are not permitted to use it for any other purpose.
- Affiliated Entities and Trading Partners: If you accessed our Site through a hyperlink from an affiliated entity or trading partner’s website, your personal details and purchase information, including behavioral patterns, may be shared with that partner per our contractual relationship.
- Business Transfers: If WSF or any part of our organization is sold, or if some of our assets are transferred to a third party, your personal information may also be transferred to the acquirer, even if they are not in the same line of business as us. Our member database could be sold separately or in parts. Potential purchasers and their advisors may have limited access to data during the sale process, but use of your personal information will remain subject to this Policy. Similarly, your personal information may be passed to a successor in interest in the event of liquidation, bankruptcy, or administration.
- Public Sharing: When you share information publicly on the Site, such as comments on blog posts, it may be indexed by search engines, including Google, making the information public.
The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites or services. Please read the privacy policies of any linked sites before using them. If you ask us to share data with third-party sites (e.g., social media), their servers may not be secure. Despite our measures and those of our partners, the internet is inherently insecure, and unlawful interception or access to data can occur.
We take reasonable and appropriate technical and organizational measures to guard against unauthorized or unlawful processing of your personal data and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage. While no system is completely secure, we implement measures to reduce vulnerability to security problems, appropriate to the type of data involved. Our user database is protected, and access is restricted internally.
However, you must also take steps to protect your information:
- Log off or exit the Site when not in use.
- Ensure no one else uses the Site while your device is logged on.
- Keep your password and access information secret and unique to the Site.
- Maintain good internet security practices. If your email or social media accounts are compromised, they could allow access to your account with us. Change your account credentials if you think they have been compromised and inform us promptly so we can assist in securing your account and warn others if necessary.
When you sign up for a member account on our Site, you agree that we may transfer your personal data to countries outside your own, including those outside the European Economic Area (EEA). We have implemented appropriate security measures to safeguard your personal data during such transfers. These measures ensure that your privacy rights are protected in compliance with applicable data protection laws and this Policy.
With your permission, we may contact you about:
- Our awards programs
- Updates about WSF
- Community Memberships
- Credentialed School, educator, Academy or STEM Product finder
- Prospective client RFPs distributed via the credentialed finder
- Updates on our certification programs, including status updates
- WSF Foundation initiatives
- Member updates (for registered members)
- Membership renewal reminders (for registered members)
- Invitations to webinars and teleconferences (for registered members)
- Invitations to participate in WSF-supported research
- Information about our industry research
- Events and Activities
- Partner updates
- Ethical conduct review process
In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, GDPR, and CASL, all email communications from our organization will clearly state the sender’s identity and provide clear instructions on how to contact them. Additionally, all email messages will contain concise information on how to remove yourself from our mailing list to stop receiving future communications.
We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your information. We do not sell, rent, or lease our subscription lists to third parties. We will not provide your personal information to any third party, government agency, or company unless required by law. Your email address will be used solely to provide timely information about WSF and its programs and services. WSF will maintain the information you send via email in accordance with applicable international laws.
You should have an existing relationship with the recipient of your email. If you prefer not to receive any direct marketing communications from us or our partners, you can opt out at any time by emailing [Contact Email] or calling [Contact Phone Number]. See the “Your Rights” section below for further details.
We will retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Policy, or as required by applicable law, after which it will be securely deleted.
WSF reserves the right to alter its privacy policies at any time. Any changes to the policy will be posted on this page. This site is controlled and operated by WSF from its offices. WSF makes no representations that materials, information, or content available on or through this site are appropriate or available for use in other locations, and access to them from territories where such materials, information, or content are illegal is prohibited. Those who choose to access this site from other locations do so on their own volition and are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws.
You may access, download, and print materials on this website for your personal and non-commercial use only. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information, software, products, or services obtained from this website without first obtaining written consent from WSF. Furthermore, you may not use the materials found on this website on any other websites or in a networked environment without first obtaining written consent from WSF.
All materials on this site (as well as the organization and layout of the site) are owned and copyrighted by the World STEAM Federation. No reproduction, distribution, or transmission of the copyrighted materials at this site is permitted without the written permission of WSF.
As explained above, you have the right to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us. Additionally, to the extent permitted by the laws of your country, you may have the right to object to the processing of your personal data for direct marketing purposes. If your objection is not to direct marketing in general, but to direct marketing by a particular channel (e.g., email or telephone), please specify the channel you are objecting to.
Furthermore, to the extent permitted by the laws of your country, you may also have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, be forgotten, or object to processing of, or request data portability of the personal data collected about you subject to some conditions and exceptions. You can find out more about these rights by reading the General Data Protection Regulation here. In the EU, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection regulator there.
If you wish to inquire about any of these rights or would like to submit a request, please send us your request by any of the following ways:
- You may contact our headquarters by emailing your request to [Contact Email].
- You can call [Contact Phone Number].
If you have any questions about this Policy, the practices of this Site, or your dealings with this Site, we encourage you to contact us using the following details:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
Phone: [Contact Phone Number]
Email: [Contact Email]
This statement is designed to inform you of the World STEAM Federation’s (WSF) policy regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information we receive from accreditation applicants. By applying for WSF accreditation, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
WSF may disclose information received from accreditation applicants where we reasonably believe that disclosure is necessary to comply with the law (including court and government orders, and civil subpoenas) or to our agents and advisors so they may provide their services to WSF under strict confidentiality restrictions.
Organizational Information: We collect organizational information to ensure a comprehensive and supportive experience for both participants and future educators. This information is gathered solely for accreditation purposes and is kept strictly confidential. We do not disclose this information to any third parties unless required by law or with explicit consent.
Personal Information: While applying for WSF accreditation, we may ask you to provide certain personally identifiable information that can be used to maintain communication and provide updates regarding the accreditation. This may include the contact person’s name, address, telephone number, or any other necessary information.
Curricula & Course Content: All information submitted is for assessing a program’s viability as a WSF-accredited course. Course content and curricula are reviewed to ensure alignment with WSF standards. The information is reviewed by WSF staff and not shared or utilized for any other purpose.
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, it is encrypted and transmitted securely. Our privacy practices are designed to comply with applicable laws and protect your personal data.
WSF may update this Accreditation Application Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on the Site. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us at:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
[Contact Email]
[Contact Phone Number]
Scope This policy applies to WSF staff, board members, affiliates, and external researchers utilizing WSF resources for any STEM education research.
Research : Research involves the collection, collation, review, or evaluation of data to describe, maintain, or modify activities, practices, interventions, or treatments. It may include manipulating variables or conducting evaluations to provide feedback on effectiveness. Activities include needs assessments, process assessments, outcome studies, impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and meta-analysis.
Evidence-Based Practice :WSF endorses evidence-based practice (EBP) in STEM education. EBP involves making informed decisions based on critically assessed, current, valid, and relevant evidence. WSF believes in combining research-derived knowledge with the experiential knowledge of educators to enhance educational practices.
Policy Statement :WSF promotes research that enhances professional development and standards in STEM education. WSF collaborates with organizations and individuals to promote high research standards, facilitating information exchange among researchers and practitioners. WSF aims to:
- Increase knowledge about STEM education.
- Advance STEM education theory and evidence-based practices.
- Disseminate research to educators.
- Enhance the credibility of STEM education through robust research practices.
- Bridge the gap between research and practice.
- Market-Oriented or Industry-Related Research
- Tracks trends in STEM education.
- Informs WSF’s future policies and directions.
- Provides insights to educators about industry trends, revenues, and practices.
- Supports WSF’s public relations efforts.
- Research on STEM Education Techniques, Methodologies, Outcomes, and Theories
- Advances the art, science, and practice of STEM education.
- Develops a theoretical foundation to support the profession.
- Combines research and practical application to strengthen the profession.
Collaboration and Ethical Guidelines WSF encourages collaboration with researchers adhering to the following:
- Compliance with WSF Code of Ethics.
- Adherence to ethical guidelines for human subjects, such as those from the American Psychological Association.
- Protection of WSF members from undue demands on their time and resources.
Internal Surveys WSF may commission internal or state-of-the-profession surveys to gather data periodically.
Research Portal Research proposals will be vetted through a WSF research portal to ensure compliance with WSF priorities and policies.
Contact Information
For more details or inquiries about our research policies, please contact:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
[Contact Email]
[Contact Phone Number]
Email Harvesting and Legal Compliance: The CAN-SPAM Act prohibits harvesting email addresses for sending commercial messages. Unauthorized access and use of email addresses from the WSF database for commercial purposes is a violation of the Act, subjecting the sender to significant civil fines ($16,000 per email) and criminal penalties, including imprisonment.
Member Contact Information: The contact information listed in the WSF Member Directory is for connecting potential clients with members. It is not to be used for marketing purposes. Individuals using the directory should verify the qualifications of any potential contact and hold WSF harmless from any claims arising from its use.
- Prior Relationship: You should have a prior relationship with the recipient. Exchanging business cards or receiving an email implies permission to get in contact.
- Contact Details: Include a valid “from” and “reply to” address with each message.
- Subscription Lists: Send a confirmation email to verify the recipient’s wish to join the list.
- Unsubscribe Options: Provide a quick way to unsubscribe from mailing lists and honor requests to cease mailing promptly.
Policy Violations: Complaints about policy breaches may be considered violations of the WSF Code of Ethics and referred to the Independent Review Board. Remedies and sanctions, such as suspending or terminating membership and/or credentials, may be imposed.
Additional Regulations: Spam laws and regulations beyond WSF’s policies may apply to commercial electronic messages sent to individuals who have listed their contact information on the WSF website.
Contact Information: For any questions about this policy or to report violations, please contact us at:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
[Contact Email]
[Contact Phone Number]
AI Policy and Disclaimer
For the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is” and WSF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.
AI Assistance Disclosure: This content has been generated with the assistance of an AI program and reviewed by a human editor. However, users are responsible for verifying the information and should not rely on it for specific professional advice or counsel.
Accuracy and Completeness: The content is provided “as is” without representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. WSF disclaims any and all liability for damages or injuries resulting from its use or reliance.
User Responsibility: Users should independently verify the information before acting upon it. This policy aims to ensure transparency in the use of AI-generated content while safeguarding users’ interests.
No Professional Advice: The content is not intended to replace professional advice or consultations.
Legal Disclaimer: WSF disclaims liability to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Users assume all responsibility for actions taken based on this content.
For further information or questions about this policy, please contact:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
[Contact Email]
[Contact Phone Number]
Statement Policy
The World STEAM Federation (WSF) ensures that all public statements and responses are aligned with our core purpose: advancing STEM education and promoting its positive impact on individuals and society. Our policies reflect our commitment to maintaining the integrity of STEM education. Under our Organizational Advocacy Policy, WSF will take an official stance, make public statements, or issue responses to world events only when those events directly affect the STEM education community.
Purpose and Alignment: WSF’s public statements and responses are closely aligned with our mission to advance STEM education and its benefits for society.
Policy Integrity: Our policies emphasize maintaining the integrity and credibility of the STEM education field.
Organizational Advocacy: WSF will officially respond to world events only when they have a direct impact on STEM education, ensuring our focus remains relevant and impactful.
Official Stance: Public-facing statements or responses will be issued thoughtfully, reflecting our dedication to the STEM education community and its stakeholders.
For further information or questions about this policy, please contact:
World STEAM Federation (WSF)
[Address]
[Contact Email]
[Contact Phone Number]
WSF Statement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (2024)
The World STEAM Federation places diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront of our mission. We value the unique talents, insights, and experiences that every educator, student, and partner brings. Our Global Diversity Council oversees and supports stakeholders in recognizing and addressing blind spots and opportunities for improvement.
In August 2024, the WSF Board of Directors approved the Statement of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice, co-signed by staff and volunteer leaders. This statement reflects our principles and invites all members, credential-holders, and partners to embrace these values.
WSF members and credential-holders operate in over 140 countries and territories, creating a vibrant global community dedicated to making STEM education an integral part of a thriving society. Our mission is to lead the global advancement of STEM education. To achieve this, we must continuously reflect on our practices and improve where necessary, acknowledging systemic challenges faced by many in the STEM community.
As members of the WSF community, we commit to the core values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, and respect, underpinned by a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.
We place diversity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront of every decision within our organization. As we progress towards our vision, we will continue to value the unique contributions that every educator, student, and partner brings to the world.
The World STEAM Federation (WSF) is dedicated to creating a thriving global society through STEM education. We believe in unlocking human potential and breaking down barriers to build a peaceful, equitable world. Violence of any kind contradicts our mission and values. WSF condemns all acts of violence against race, religion, gender, or any other aspect of diversity.
We are steadfast in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. WSF calls for continuous action against violence and discrimination, placing these principles at the forefront of our decisions.