Our policies

YEM Ventures Inc. ("YEM," "we," or "us") is a nonprofit organization that runs the Youth Entrepreneurship Market, a program that helps students in grades 4 through 12 learn entrepreneurship through workshops, markets, and mentoring. This policy explains what information we collect through yemithaca.com and our forms, how we use it, and the choices families have.

1. Our approach to students' information

We collect only what we need to run the program, we use it only for YEM, and we never sell it. A parent or guardian must register and give consent before we collect any information from a student. We do not require a student to provide more information than is reasonably necessary to take part.

2. What we collect

• Season registration. From the parent or guardian: name, email, phone number, relationship to the student, and the student's name and grade. From the student, after the parent confirms: school, grade, town or city, home address, interests, a project idea if they have one, and how they heard about YEM. Gender identity is optional.
• Market reservations. The student's name and business name, a business partner's name, the products to be sold, and, for food vendors, permit or kitchen information, along with the parent or guardian's name, phone number, and email.
• Mailing list. For adults only: first name, email address, and, if you choose, a phone number.
• Volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and donors. Name, business name, phone number, email, and what you tell us about your interest in YEM.
• Photos and video. We take photos and video at workshops and markets. We use images of a student only if a parent or guardian has agreed to our Photo and Media Release.
• Website information. Our site uses a small number of cookies needed for it to work and may record basic technical information, such as browser type and pages visited. We do not use advertising trackers.

3. How we use it

• To run the program: placing students in workshops and markets, communicating with families, and planning events.
• To keep students safe, including contacting a parent or guardian when needed.
• To report to our grantors and funders, using combined statistics only, such as the number of students by grade or town. We do not give funders students' names, addresses, or other information that identifies a student.
• To send news about YEM to adults who have joined our mailing list.
• To promote YEM using photos and video, only as a parent or guardian has permitted.

4. Who we share it with

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information, and we do not share it with anyone for their own marketing. We share it only:

• With YEM board members, staff, and volunteers who need it to run the program.
• With companies that host our website, store our data, or send our emails. They are bound by agreements to use it only to provide services to YEM.
• With market organizers, limited to what they need to place a student vendor (for example, a business name and food permit information).
• If required by law, or if needed to protect the safety of a student or anyone else.

5. Parent and student rights

• A parent or guardian may review the information we hold about their student, ask us to correct or delete it, and refuse to allow any further collection or use, at any time, by emailing hello@yemithaca.com.
• Consent may be withdrawn at any time, and withdrawing is as easy as giving it. If consent is withdrawn, we will stop collecting and using the student's information, which may mean the student can no longer take part in some activities.
• Photo and mailing list choices are separate from registration. Saying no to them does not affect a student's participation.

6. Keeping it and protecting it

We delete registrations that a parent does not confirm within 14 days. We keep confirmed registration information only as long as we need it for the program and our records. We delete students' home addresses after each season's grant reporting is complete, and we review and delete other student information after each season. We limit access to the people who need it and use reasonable safeguards to protect it.

7. Other sites

Our site links to our pages on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Those sites have their own privacy policies.

8. Changes and contact

We may update this policy and will change the date above when we do. If we make a material change to how we use students' information, we will ask parents for consent again. Questions or requests: YEM Ventures Inc., Ithaca, New York, hello@yemithaca.com.

These terms apply to yemithaca.com (the "Site"), operated by YEM Ventures Inc. ("YEM"). By using the Site, you agree to them.

1. Who may use the Site. Anyone may browse the Site. A parent or guardian must register a student and give consent before the student completes any form. Students under 18 may use our forms only with a parent or guardian's permission.
2. Accurate information. Please give us accurate information and let us know if it changes.
3. Our content. The YEM name and logo, and the text, photos, and videos on the Site, belong to YEM or are used with permission. You may share links to the Site, but please do not copy or reuse our content for commercial purposes without our permission.
4. Respectful use. Do not use the Site to submit false information, interfere with the Site, or attempt to access anything not meant for public use.
5. Information only. The Site provides general information about YEM's programs. Schedules, locations, and offerings may change.
6. Other sites. Links to other sites, including social media, are provided for convenience. YEM is not responsible for their content or practices.
7. No warranties; limitation of liability. The Site is provided "as is." To the fullest extent permitted by law, YEM is not liable for any damages arising from use of the Site.
8. Privacy. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle information collected through the Site.
9. Governing law. These terms are governed by New York law. Any dispute will be heard in the courts located in Tompkins County, New York.
10. Changes and contact. We may update these terms and will change the date above when we do. Questions: hello@yemithaca.com.

YEM takes photos and video at workshops, markets, and events to share what students are doing. If you choose Yes, you give YEM Ventures Inc. permission to take and use photos, video, and audio of your student, and your student's first name and business name, on YEM's website and social media, in flyers and printed materials, in presentations, in reports to grantors and partners, and in local news coverage of YEM.

You can change your choice at any time by emailing hello@yemithaca.com. YEM will stop using images of your student in new materials, but cannot recall materials already printed or published.

Completed with each market reservation. I am the parent or legal guardian of the student named in the reservation, and I give permission for my student to sell products at the YEM markets selected. I understand and agree that:

1. Supervision. YEM coordinates the youth market area but does not provide one-on-one supervision. I am responsible for arranging appropriate adult supervision for my student, and for my student's transportation, setup, and pickup.
2. Products. My student is responsible for the products sold, including their safety and accurate description. Food vendors must have, and follow, the required permit or certified kitchen arrangement. YEM may remove any product it considers unsafe or inappropriate.
3. Rules. My student will follow the rules of YEM and of the market or festival host, and YEM may remove a student who does not.
4. Money. Sales and cash handling are my student's responsibility. YEM is not responsible for lost or stolen money or goods.
5. Risks. Outdoor markets and festivals involve ordinary risks, such as weather, crowds, and handling equipment and food. I accept those risks for myself, and to the extent the law allows, I release YEM Ventures Inc. and its board, volunteers, and mentors from claims I may have arising from my student's participation, except claims arising from their gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
6. Products liability. I will be responsible for, and will not hold YEM responsible for, claims by customers or others relating to products my student sells.
7. Emergencies. If I cannot be reached in an emergency, YEM may seek emergency care for my student.