Parent/Guardian Terms of Service & Enrollment Agreement**

1. Program Overview & Duration

Science Research Academy (SRA) provides a structured, mentor-supported independent research experience for high school students.

The standard program duration is 16 weeks (4 months).

Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for documented academic, medical, or personal circumstances. Extension approval is at the sole discretion of SRA Staff.

2. Student-Driven Research Expectations

The Science Research Academy is built on the philosophy that authentic research must be student-driven.

By enrolling, the Parent/Guardian acknowledges and agrees that:

• The student is expected to take primary ownership of their research project.

• Research tasks, weekly assignments, reflections, literature reviews, mentor communication, and project development must be completed by the student, not the parent/guardian.

• Parents/guardians should refrain from directing the project, emailing mentors on the student’s behalf, writing or editing research materials, or attempting to influence research outcomes.

SRA Staff will provide structure, support, feedback, and guidance, but the student must demonstrate independence, initiative, and responsibility.

3. Weekly Check-Ins, Meetings & Compliance Requirements

• Students are required to submit weekly check-ins through the SRA dashboard by Friday at 11:59 PM (EST).

• Students are expected to watch their Research Coach’s video feedback and come prepared to implement that guidance.

• Students must attend all scheduled meetings, virtual or otherwise, with their mentor (if applicable) and/or Research Coach.

Failure to submit 4 weekly check-ins (consecutive or cumulative) may result in removal from the program with no refund.

4. Mentor Pairing & Placement

SRA aims to pair each student with a mentor whose expertise aligns with the student’s stated research interests.

However:

• SRA Staff reserve the right to make the final decision regarding mentor selection and placement.

• Mentor availability varies and cannot be guaranteed for every specific topic or niche area.

• Students and parents may not request mentor changes except in cases of documented conflict or concern, which will be evaluated by SRA Staff.

5. No Guarantee of an In-Person Experience

SRA does not guarantee that students will conduct research on-site or in-person at a lab, facility, or university.

Most student–mentor collaborations occur virtually, and in-person opportunities depend entirely on mentor location, availability, institutional policies, and safety guidelines.

6. No Guarantee of Competition Outcomes

SRA provides guidance, coaching, and preparation to help students submit strong research projects to local, national, and international competitions.

However:

• SRA does not guarantee acceptance, advancement, or awards at any science fair or research competition.

• Judging outcomes depend on external review committees and are outside the control of SRA.

SRA commits to supporting students to the fullest extent possible to help them produce high-quality, competitive work.

7. Academic Integrity & Authentic Work

Parents/guardians agree to support SRA’s commitment to academic integrity by ensuring that:

• All work submitted is the student’s own.

• No unauthorized assistance, ghostwriting, AI-generated work, or parent-completed tasks are presented as student work.

• Students follow ethical research standards, including proper citation and mentor acknowledgment.

Violations may result in dismissal from the program with no refund.

8. Communication Expectations

• SRA communicates primarily with students.

• Parents/guardians may contact SRA Staff for program-level questions, but day-to-day research responsibilities must remain between the student and SRA.

• Parents should not contact mentors directly. All concerns must be routed through SRA Staff.

9. Attendance, Participation & Removal from the Program

SRA reserves the right to remove a student from the program, without refund, if:

• The student misses 4 weekly check-ins.

• The student consistently fails to attend required meetings or respond to mentor/coach communication.

• The student demonstrates a lack of engagement, violates academic integrity, or displays inappropriate conduct.

• The parent/guardian interferes with the mentor relationship or the student’s independent work.

10. Refunds & Withdrawal

SRA does not offer refunds after the student’s program start date.

Withdrawal requests submitted after the program has begun are not eligible for partial or prorated refunds.

11. Liability & Safety

Parents/guardians acknowledge that:

• SRA is not responsible for injuries or risks associated with student-initiated or mentor-recommended experimental activities.

• It is the responsibility of the family to ensure appropriate safety, supervision, and equipment for any at-home or off-site experimentation.

• SRA does not provide laboratory space, equipment, or physical materials.

12. Media & Publication Release (Optional Selection)

Parents/guardians may consent or decline to allow SRA to use student photos, project summaries, competition achievements, or video clips for promotional or educational purposes.

Please check one:

☐ I consent   ☐ I do NOT consent

13. Agreement & Signature

At checkout, you will be asked to provide your typed full name to serve as your electronic signature that you acknowledge and accept the terms of this agreement.