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Why is the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation requiring Event Partners to undergo a background screening?
The REC Foundation’s top priority is the safety of its community. In the best interest of our students, and for the safety of everyone participating in REC Foundation events, we are requiring all current Event Partners to undergo criminal background screenings that comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
What is Sterling Volunteers?
Sterling Volunteers offers volunteer screening services to nonprofits and volunteer programs across the country. They provide a secure online volunteer screening platform that allows the volunteer to enter and control their information when ordering a background check. If desired, once a volunteer is verified, he or she has the option to use their background check to apply and volunteer with other volunteer organizations both within and outside the Sterling Volunteers community. It’s the fastest, easiest and most affordable way to connect volunteers with the causes that inspire them most.
Do I have to create a Sterling Volunteers account?
Yes, you will need to create an account in order for the background check to be processed. The email address that is utilized for Sterling Volunteers needs to be the same email address that is utilized in RobotEvents.
Event Partners need to have user specific accounts, rather than generic organization accounts, for this purpose.
How often will I need to undergo a background check to be an Event Partner?
You will need to undergo a background check every 3 years to be an Event Partner.
Does a volunteer applicant have to consent to a background check?
Yes. Certain state laws and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a federal law that regulates who is permitted to access a person’s consumer report information and how it can be used, generally require that you must obtain written or electronic consent from the applicant prior to a third-party screening company like Sterling Volunteers conducting any criminal record search, credit history check or reference check.
How secure is the website used to collect information on the volunteers?
The Sterling Volunteers platform is extremely secure. Sterling Volunteers complies with all national and local regulations with respect to the storage and transmission of sensitive data and is hosted in ISO 27001-audited data centers. The Sterling Volunteers platform is audited regularly throughout the year with external vendors. These audits include a network perimeter security assessment, an application penetration test, and a physical security assessment.
What in my background is being checked? What are my rights?
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act was enacted in 2003 and amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FACT Act entitles consumers to obtain one free copy of their consumer files from certain consumer reporting agencies during each 12-month period. If Sterling Volunteers has prepared a background screening report in your name for one or more of their clients, you have access to that report at any time via Sterling Volunteers’ platform. Log in to your account to read your report.
Does Sterling Volunteers sell my information to third parties?
Sterling Volunteers will not share your personal information with third party marketers for direct marketing purposes. They may use and share the information internally to provide and improve the site and the services; deliver correspondence, communications, or services; solicit your feedback; and inform you about the site and the services they provide.
What information is required for an accurate, thorough background check for the REC Foundation?
Your first name and last name correctly spelled and exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or other legal documentation and your date of birth are required fields. Your Social Security number is an optional field.
Do I need to add my Social Security Number to complete the background check?
No. Criminal records are not tied to Social Security Numbers. Criminal records, unlike SSNs, are part of the public record, which means they are typically filed based on name. If you would not like to include your Social Security Number, simply check the “No Social Security Number” box when it prompts you for it.
What does the REC Foundation volunteer background check consist of?
We will specifically be running a SS Trace, Government Watch List search, Nationwide Criminal Database search, and DOJ National Sex Offender Registry search.
Will the REC Foundation be checking my credit as well?
No. The names “Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act” and “Fair Credit Reporting Act” are misleading. They do not only cover credit checks. Background checks are also covered under these acts. The REC Foundation does not require a credit check meaning your credit will not be affected by the background screening process.
How much does background screening cost?
The background screening costs $7.00 and is 100% paid for by the REC Foundation. Sterling Volunteers gives Event Partners the option to donate a portion or all of the cost of the background check if they would like to, but it is not mandatory.
What if I am a teacher and have already undergone a background screening process?
While we understand that some of our Event Partners have undergone an extensive background screening process to become certified teachers, background checks are not transferable from state to state or between entities. For that reason, we will need you to complete our background check through Sterling Volunteers.
Do REC Foundation employees undergo a background check?
All REC Foundation staff undergo an extensive background screening process upon hire.
What if I have more questions?
Please direct all questions regarding background checks and the screening process to hr@roboticseducation.org.