Privacy

Privacy Policy

Effective July 15, 2026 · The NC Idea Challenge is run by Exponential Scholars (Exponential Foundation, Inc.), a North Carolina nonprofit. We collect as little information as possible, and here is all of it.

What we collect

To browse the site: we use Google Analytics to understand how the site is used (pages visited, device type, general location). It sets cookies; we have turned off all advertising features, ad personalization, and Google Signals, and we never use analytics data to identify you. You can block analytics cookies in your browser and the site works fully. No ad trackers.

To start a submission: a nickname, grade level (or “educator”), your community, and your 1–2 minute video.

To finalize a student submission: one parent/guardian email address, used to confirm consent and share results.

Winners only: legal name and payment details, needed to deliver the award (see Terms).

What we never collect

Home address, school records, demographic data beyond grade level, or anything we don’t need to run the Challenge.

Who sees your submission

Two trained judges review each video. Judges see the video and grade level — never the applicant’s name or parent email. Submissions are stored in a private, access-controlled database; videos are never publicly listed.

How long we keep it

Non-winning videos and parent emails are deleted within 1 year after the Challenge closes (by October 4, 2027). Winners’ materials are kept as long as needed to administer follow-on funding.

Sharing and promotion

We may share winning ideas and video excerpts to celebrate participants and promote the Challenge. You can opt out at submission or any time by emailing hello@ideachallengenc.org — opting out never affects judging.

Your choices

Email hello@ideachallengenc.org to access, correct, or delete your information at any time. Parents may withdraw consent and their child’s submission at any time.

We do not sell data. Ever.

Contact: Exponential Scholars, hello@ideachallengenc.org.