We collect information that you provide directly to us to facilitate program enrollment and engagement:

• Membership & Enrollment Data: Student names, parent/guardian contact information, and interest in entrepreneurship provided via our Google Form application.

• Program Participation: Commitment levels and student progress data tracked through the YELA Mobile App (Google AppSheet).

• Professional Details: Information provided by adult applicants for the YELA Pro track or those applying to become mentors.

• Payment Information: While membership reviews are manual, we collect investment fees ($499) for the 6-week youth program.

Your data is used to provide a high-quality educational experience:

• Program Delivery: To manage the 6-week virtual cohort via Google Meet and track capstone project progress.

• Communication: To send updates regarding cohort dates, workshops, and new resources.

• App Functionality: To power the YELA Mobile App dashboard, including Daily Questions, Business Ideas of the Week, and Referral Rewards.

• Mentorship Matching: Connecting students with experienced business professionals based on their interests.

We do not sell your personal data. Information is only shared in the following contexts:

• Internal Success Squad: Your information is accessible to the YELA leadership team, including Cheryl Ellis-Taylor and LaTia Brooks, to ensure program execution.

• Service Providers: We use trusted third-party tools like Google Workspace (Forms, Meet, Sheets) and Google AppSheet to host program data.

• Community Interaction: With your consent, business ideas or "pitches" may be shared within the YELA student gallery to encourage peer feedback.

We use basic tracking technologies to improve your experience:

• Analytics: To understand how users navigate our website and where they click "Apply Now."

We retain your information for as long as your membership is active or as needed to provide you with program services.

• Application Data: Kept on file to notify you of future cohorts if you are not selected for the immediate session.

• Student Portfolios: Business plans and pitch decks are retained so students can access their work "to launch immediately" after graduation.