Ladder 2 Rise

1. About the Platform

Ladder 2 Rise (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates an online platform (the “Platform”) designed to support youth development, mentorship, career pathways, employment opportunities, and access to resources.

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy set out below (collectively, the “Terms”).

2. Eligible Users

The Platform may be used by:

• Youth, generally ages 13 to 23, or others approved by Ladder 2 Rise
• Care and support networks, including parents, guardians, caregivers, educators, coaches, and case workers etc
• Mentors and community partners
• Corporate partners, employers, businesses, and placement hosts

Ladder 2 Rise may approve access outside the standard age range or user categories at its discretion.

3. Youth Participation and Consent

Youth aged 13 and older may self-enroll and engage independently with the Platform, subject to applicable laws regarding youth consent and capacity.

Certain services—such as paid employment, internships, or co-op placements—may require additional consent, documentation, verification, or guardian involvement where required by law.

4. Services Provided

The Platform may provide access to:

• Events, workshops, and Impact experiences
• Mentorship and career development supports
• Seasonal paid employment, internships, and co-op placements with partner organizations
• An AI-enabled voice bot offering general guidance, information, and referrals

The Platform does not provide emergency services, crisis intervention, medical care, legal advice, or mental health treatment.

5. AI-Enabled Voice Bot

The AI-enabled voice bot:

• Provides general information and resource navigation
• Is not a counselor, therapist, or emergency service
• Does not replace professional support

Users experiencing immediate risk or crisis should contact emergency services or a recognized crisis support line.

Ladder 2 Rise may review AI interactions on a limited basis for safety, quality assurance, training, or system improvement.

6. Role-Based Access

Access to Platform features and information is role-based. Ladder 2 Rise may:

• Assign, modify, or restrict access
• Require onboarding, training, or verification
• Suspend or terminate access for misuse, safety concerns, or non-compliance

7. User Responsibilities

All users agree to:

• Use the Platform respectfully and lawfully
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of others, particularly youth
• Access only information they are authorized to view
• Refrain from harassment, abuse, exploitation, or misuse

8. Suspension and Termination

Ladder 2 Rise may suspend or terminate access without notice if a user:

• Violates these Terms
• Poses a safety or safeguarding risk
• Misuses the Platform or personal information
• Engages in unlawful conduct

9. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” Ladder 2 Rise does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ladder 2 Rise is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the Platform.

10. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform. Continued use indicates acceptance of updated Terms.

11. Commitment to Privacy

Ladder 2 Rise is committed to protecting personal information and upholding youth-centred, trauma-informed, and safeguarding-focused privacy practices.

12. Information We Collect

We may collect:

• Identifying information (e.g., name, age, contact details)
• Program participation and engagement data
• Employment or placement-related information
• Communications and interactions, including AI voice bot usage
• Technical data (e.g., device information, usage logs)

We collect only what is reasonably necessary for Platform operations and service delivery.

13. How We Use Information

Information is used to:

• Deliver and improve programs and services
• Match users to opportunities, resources, or supports
• Maintain safety, safeguarding, and program integrity
• Communicate updates and opportunities
• Meet legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations

Personal information is not sold and is not used for commercial advertising.

14. Confidentiality and Its Limits

We treat personal information as confidential and restrict access to authorized individuals.

Confidentiality may be limited where disclosure is necessary to:

• Protect the safety or well-being of an individual or others
• Respond to abuse, exploitation, or credible risk
• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Prevent fraud, misuse, or security threats

These limits reflect recognized youth-serving standards, including those used by organizations such as Kids Help Phone.

15. Information Sharing

Information may be shared:

• With mentors, employers, or partners only as necessary for program delivery
• With support networks where consent is provided or legally required
• With service providers bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations

16. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, including access controls and secure systems.

17. Data Breach Response

In the event of a data breach:

• Immediate steps will be taken to contain and assess the breach
• Affected individuals and authorities will be notified as required by law
• Mitigation measures will be implemented

18. Retention and Deletion

Information is retained only as long as necessary for program, legal, or reporting purposes and then securely deleted or anonymized.

19. User Rights

Users have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request corrections
• Ask questions or raise concerns about privacy or AI use
• Withdraw consent where legally permitted

20. Contact Information

Questions or concerns regarding these Terms or privacy practices may be directed to:

21. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the applicable jurisdiction where Ladder 2 Rise operates, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.