Welcome to the Journalistic Development Matrix (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using our website, applying for our scholarships, or opting into our communications, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please politely close the tab and step away.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By interacting with our site, submitting applications, or enrolling in text messaging services, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction and possess the legal authority to accept these terms.
2. Scholarship Applications, Data Processing, and FERPA Compliance
When you apply for a scholarship through the Journalistic Development Matrix, you entrust us with personal and educational data. We take this seriously (because we have to, and because we want to).
- Data Collection & Use: We collect data strictly for the purpose of evaluating scholarship eligibility, processing applications, and communicating decisions.
- FERPA Acknowledgment: To the extent that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) applies to the records submitted, we maintain the confidentiality of educational records. By submitting an application, you grant us explicit, written consent to access, process, and securely store your academic transcripts, application materials, and related educational records solely for the scholarship evaluation process.
- Data Retention: We keep your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the scholarship cycle and comply with applicable auditing and legal requirements, after which it will be securely destroyed. We do not sell your academic tears or triumphs to third parties.
3. SMS/Text Messaging Services
By providing your mobile number and opting into our text messaging campaigns (including those managed via Microsoft Teams), you agree to our SMS terms:
- Explicit Consent: You consent to receive informational and promotional text messages from the Journalistic Development Matrix. Consent to receive texts is not a condition of receiving a scholarship or purchasing any goods/services.
- Message and Data Rates May Apply: Your mobile carrier is going to do what mobile carriers do. We are not responsible for any charges incurred from receiving our texts.
- Opting Out: You can escape our texts at any time. Reply STOP to any message you receive from us. After texting STOP, you will receive one final message confirming your opt-out.
- Getting Help: If you are confused or need assistance, reply HELP to our messages, or contact us directly at [email protected].
- Message Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your interaction and our scholarship cycles.
- Privacy of Phone Numbers: Your mobile information and SMS consent will never be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Your number stays with us.
4. Intellectual Property
All content on this website — including text, graphics, logos — is our property or the property of our licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not scrape, steal, or “borrow” our content without express written permission.
5. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Journalistic Development Matrix, its directors, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our site, your failure to secure a scholarship, or any delayed SMS messages. Use our site and services at your own risk. The services herein are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind.
6. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal battles will take place exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Clackamas County, Oregon.
7. Changes to These Terms
We reserve the right to update or modify these terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of the site after changes constitute your acceptance of the new terms.
Contact Us: If you have questions about these terms, contact us at: [email protected]