Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ScholarHive ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, applications, and services (collectively, the "Service").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the Service, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when using our Service, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Educational background (schools attended, GPA, test scores, major)
• Financial information for scholarship eligibility determination
• Extracurricular activities, work experience, and achievements
• Essays, personal statements, and other application materials
• Account credentials (username, password)

Automatically Collected Information

When you access the Service, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device information (device type, operating system, browser type)
• IP address and geographic location
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, features used)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Service
• Match you with relevant scholarship opportunities
• Process and track your scholarship applications
• Personalize your experience and content recommendations
• Communicate with you about your account and the Service
• Send you updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Scholarship Providers

When you apply for scholarships through our Service, we share relevant application information with the scholarship providers. This is necessary to process your applications.

With Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, data analytics, payment processing, and customer support.

For Legal Purposes

We may disclose your information if required by law, legal process, or government request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and track information about your use of our Service. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us improve your experience.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies: Required for the Service to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Service
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Service.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is intended for users who are at least 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

14. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• The right to request deletion of your personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale of your personal information
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA.