:root {
      --brand: #00A9E4;
      --brand-dark: #0090c4;
      --brand-deep: #007aaa;
      --brand-yellow: #213163;
      --brand-yellow-dark: #182550;
      --ink: #0f172a;
      --ink-muted: #475569;
      --soft-blue: #eaf0ff;
      --soft-blue-2: #f4f7ff;
      --border: #e6ebf3;
    }

    * { -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; }

    html, body { overflow-x: clip; }

    body {
      font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif;
      color: var(--ink);
      background: #fff;
      font-size: 15px;
      line-height: 1.6;
      max-width: 100%;
    }

    .text-brand { color: var(--brand) !important; }
    .bg-brand { background-color: var(--brand) !important; }
    .text-muted-2 { color: var(--ink-muted) !important; }
    .text-justify { text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; hyphens: manual; }
    .text-justify .nowrap { white-space: nowrap; }

    /* Section tag */
    .eyebrow {
      color: var(--brand);
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 12px;
      letter-spacing: 0.18em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      margin-bottom: 10px;
    }

    h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); letter-spacing: -0.01em; }
    h2 {
      font-size: 2rem;
      --_typography---font-styles--font-secondary: Merriweather, Georgia, sans-serif;
      font-family: var(--_typography---font-styles--font-secondary);
    }
    @media (min-width: 768px) { h2 { font-size: 2.7rem; } }

    /* ===== NAVBAR ===== */
    .site-nav {
      background: #fff;
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
      padding: 14px 0;
      position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 1030;
    }
    .brand-logo {
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center;
      text-decoration: none;
    }
    .brand-logo .brand-title {
      color: var(--brand);
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: 20px;
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
      line-height: 1;
    }
    .brand-logo .brand-img {
      height: 26px;
      width: auto;
      display: block;
    }
    .brand-logo:hover .brand-title { color: var(--brand-dark); }
    .nav-links { gap: 2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
    /* Hover dropdowns (desktop) */
    @media (min-width: 992px) {
      .nav-links .dropdown:hover > .dropdown-menu {
        display: block;
        animation: nav-drop-in .18s ease both;
      }
      .nav-links .dropdown > .dropdown-menu { margin-top: 0; top: 100%; }
      .nav-links .dropdown { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; }
    }
    @keyframes nav-drop-in {
      from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-4px); }
      to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
    }
    .nav-links a,
    .nav-links .dropdown-toggle {
      color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;
      padding: 8px 8px; font-size: 14px; transition: color .2s; line-height: 1;
      background: none; border: none;
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px;
    }
    .nav-links a:hover,
    .nav-links .dropdown-toggle:hover,
    .nav-links .dropdown.show > .dropdown-toggle { color: var(--brand); }
    .nav-links .home-link {
      width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 8px;
      background: var(--soft-blue); color: var(--brand);
      display: inline-grid; place-items: center;
      padding: 0; font-size: 18px;
      transition: all .2s;
    }
    .nav-links .home-link:hover { background: var(--brand); color: #fff; }
    .nav-links .dropdown-toggle::after {
      margin-left: 2px; font-size: 10px;
      border-top-color: currentColor;
    }
    .nav-links .dropdown-menu {
      border: 1px solid var(--border);
      border-radius: 10px;
      box-shadow: 0 14px 30px -12px rgba(15,23,42,.18);
      padding: 6px;
      font-size: 13.5px;
      min-width: 220px;
      margin-top: 6px;
    }
    .nav-links .dropdown-item {
      border-radius: 6px;
      padding: 8px 12px;
      color: var(--ink);
      font-weight: 500;
      transition: all .15s;
    }
    .nav-links .dropdown-item:hover,
    .nav-links .dropdown-item:focus {
      background: var(--soft-blue);
      color: var(--brand);
    }

    /* Mobile hamburger toggle */
    .nav-toggle {
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
      width: 40px; height: 40px; border-radius: 8px;
      border: 1px solid var(--border); background: #fff;
      color: var(--brand); font-size: 22px; cursor: pointer;
      transition: all .2s;
    }
    .nav-toggle:hover { background: var(--soft-blue); }

    @media (min-width: 992px) {
      .nav-links { display: flex; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 991px) {
      .nav-links {
        display: none;
        position: absolute;
        top: 100%; left: 0; right: 0;
        flex-direction: column;
        align-items: stretch !important;
        gap: 0; margin: 0;
        background: #fff;
        border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
        box-shadow: 0 16px 30px -14px rgba(15,23,42,.18);
        padding: 8px 16px 16px;
        max-height: calc(100vh - 70px);
        overflow-y: auto;
      }
      .nav-links.open { display: flex; }
      .nav-links > a,
      .nav-links .dropdown-toggle {
        width: 100%;
        justify-content: flex-start;
        padding: 12px 6px;
        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--soft-blue-2);
      }
      .nav-links .dropdown { width: 100%; display: block; }
      .nav-links .dropdown-menu {
        position: static !important;
        display: none;
        transform: none !important;
        border: none; box-shadow: none;
        padding: 0 0 8px 12px; margin: 0; min-width: 0;
      }
      .nav-links .dropdown.open > .dropdown-menu { display: block; }
      .nav-links .dropdown-toggle::after {
        margin-left: auto;
        transition: transform .25s ease;
      }
      .nav-links .dropdown.open > .dropdown-toggle::after { transform: rotate(180deg); }
      /* Hover / tap feedback */
      .nav-links > a, .nav-links .dropdown-toggle, .nav-links .dropdown-item { border-radius: 6px; }
      .nav-links > a:hover,
      .nav-links > a:active,
      .nav-links .dropdown-toggle:hover,
      .nav-links .dropdown-toggle:active,
      .nav-links .dropdown-item:hover,
      .nav-links .dropdown-item:active {
        background: var(--soft-blue);
        color: var(--brand);
      }
      .nav-links .dropdown.open > .dropdown-toggle {
        color: var(--brand);
        background: var(--soft-blue-2);
      }
    }
    .btn-apply {
      background: var(--brand); color: #fff; border-radius: 8px;
      padding: 9px 18px; font-weight: 600; font-size: 14px;
      border: none; transition: all .2s; text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;
    }
    .btn-apply:hover { text-decoration: none; }
    .btn-apply:hover { background: var(--brand-dark); color: #fff; transform: translateY(-1px); }

    /* ===== HERO (content left, image right, textured background) ===== */
    .hero {
      position: relative;
      min-height: 660px;
      color: var(--ink);
      overflow: hidden;
      border-top: 3px solid var(--brand);
      background-color: var(--soft-blue-2);
      background-image: url('../images/banner-bg.png');
      background-size: cover;
      background-position: center;
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
    }
    .hero-row {
      width: 100%;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: stretch;
      gap: 28px;
    }
    .hero-col-content {
      order: 2;
      width: 100%;
    }
    .hero-col-image {
      order: 1;
      width: 100%;
      min-width: 0;
    }
    @media (min-width: 992px) {
      .hero-row {
        flex-direction: row;
        align-items: center;
        gap: 48px;
      }
      .hero-col-content {
        order: 1;
        flex: 0 0 auto;
        width: 420px;
      }
      .hero-col-image {
        order: 2;
        flex: 1 1 auto;
      }
    }
    .hero-caption h1 {
      color: var(--ink);
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.2vw, 2.85rem);
      line-height: 1.22; letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      margin-bottom: 20px;
    }
    .hero-caption h1 .accent { color: var(--brand); }
    .hero-underline { height: 3px; width: 72px; margin: 6px 0 24px; }
    .hero-caption p {
      color: var(--ink-muted);
      font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 1.5vw, 1.3rem);
      max-width: 500px; margin: 0;
    }
    .hero-image-frame {
      position: relative;
      border-radius: 18px;
      overflow: hidden;
      aspect-ratio: 4 / 3;
      max-height: 560px;
      margin-left: auto;
      box-shadow: 0 24px 48px rgba(15,23,42,.18);
      border: 6px solid #fff;
    }
    .hero-image-frame img {
      width: 100%; height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover; display: block;
    }
    .btn-yellow {
      background: var(--brand); color: #fff;
      border: none; font-weight: 700; padding: 11px 20px;
      border-radius: 8px; font-size: 14px; transition: all .2s;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;
    }
    .btn-yellow:hover { background: var(--brand-dark); color: #fff; transform: translateY(-1px); text-decoration: none; }
    .btn-ghost-light {
      background: transparent; color: #fff;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.45); font-weight: 600;
      padding: 11px 20px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 14px;
      transition: all .2s; text-decoration: none;
    }
    .btn-ghost-light:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.12); color: #fff; text-decoration: none; }

    /* Hero caption entrance animation (replays on every slide change) */
    @keyframes heroFadeUp {
      from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(26px); }
      to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
    }
    .hero-caption h1,
    .hero-caption .hero-underline,
    .hero-caption p,
    .hero-caption .hero-cta {
      opacity: 0;
    }
    .hero-slide.active .hero-caption h1        { animation: heroFadeUp .7s cubic-bezier(.22,.9,.32,1) .1s both; }
    .hero-slide.active .hero-caption .hero-underline { animation: heroFadeUp .7s cubic-bezier(.22,.9,.32,1) .28s both; }
    .hero-slide.active .hero-caption p          { animation: heroFadeUp .7s cubic-bezier(.22,.9,.32,1) .4s both; }
    .hero-slide.active .hero-caption .hero-cta  { animation: heroFadeUp .7s cubic-bezier(.22,.9,.32,1) .55s both; }

    /* Hero slider (content left / image right per slide) */
    .hero-slider { position: absolute; inset: 0; }
    .hero-slider .hero-slide {
      position: absolute; inset: 0;
      display: flex; align-items: center;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 1s ease;
      pointer-events: none;
      padding: 64px 0 76px;
    }
    .hero-slider .hero-slide.active {
      opacity: 1;
      pointer-events: auto;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    .hero-caption { max-width: 560px; }
    .hero-cta { margin-top: 26px; }
    .hero-dots {
      position: absolute;
      left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 26px;
      display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 6px;
      z-index: 3;
    }
    .hero-dots button {
      width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 999px;
      background: rgba(15,23,42,.2);
      border: none; padding: 0; cursor: pointer;
      transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .hero-dots button:hover { background: rgba(15,23,42,.4); }
    .hero-dots button.active {
      width: 22px;
      background: var(--brand);
    }
    .media-arrow {
      position: absolute; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%);
      width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%;
      background: #fff; color: var(--ink);
      display: grid; place-items: center; cursor: pointer; font-size: 15px;
      border: 1px solid var(--border);
      box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(15,23,42,.12);
      z-index: 3;
      transition: all .2s ease;
    }
    .media-arrow:hover {
      background: var(--brand); color: #fff; border-color: var(--brand);
      transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.06);
    }
    .media-arrow.left { left: 12px; }
    .media-arrow.right { right: 12px; }

    /* ===== OPPORTUNITY ===== */
    .section { padding: 64px 0; }
    .stat-pill {
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px;
      background: var(--soft-blue); border-left: 4px solid var(--brand-yellow);
      padding: 14px 18px; border-radius: 10px;
      font-size: 13.5px; color: var(--ink-muted);
    }
    .stat-pill .num { font-weight: 800; font-size: 22px; color: var(--brand); letter-spacing: -.02em; }

    /* ===== WHY WE EXIST ===== */
    .why-exist { max-width: 900px; }
    .why-exist .why-heading { margin-bottom: 0; }
    .why-exist .heading-underline { height: 3px; width: 64px; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 22px; border-radius: 999px; }
    .why-exist .why-heading {
      color: var(--brand);
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 2.4vw, 1.7rem);
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
    }
    .why-exist .why-text {
      color: var(--ink-muted);
      font-size: 15.5px;
      line-height: 1.85;
      margin-bottom: 0;
    }
    .why-exist .why-subheading {
      font-size: 1.05rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      line-height: 1.7;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
    }
    .why-exist .why-subheading span {
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      letter-spacing: 0.01em;
    }

    /* ===== PILLARS (staggered editorial layout) ===== */
    .bg-soft { background: var(--soft-blue-2); }
    .pillars-section {
      background:
        radial-gradient(circle at 14% 12%, rgba(33,49,99,.08), transparent 42%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 86% 88%, rgba(33,49,99,.07), transparent 46%),
        #e8f4fb;
    }
    .pillars-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
    }
    .pillar-col {
      position: relative;
      padding: 0 28px;
      transition: transform .4s ease;
    }
    .pillar-col + .pillar-col { border-left: 1px solid rgba(168,140,86,.35); }
    .pillar-col:hover { transform: translateY(-8px); }

    .pillar-num {
      display: block;
      font-size: 2.5rem; font-weight: 800; font-style: italic;
      letter-spacing: -0.03em; line-height: 1;
      color: #213163;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      transition: transform .4s ease, color .4s ease;
    }
    .pillar-col:hover .pillar-num { transform: scale(1.12) translateX(4px); color: var(--brand-dark); }
    .pillar-figure {
      width: 100%; height: 150px; border-radius: 10px;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 38%, var(--brand-yellow), #0f1b3a);
      display: grid; place-items: center;
      font-size: 30px; color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 20px;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 22px -10px rgba(33,49,99,.45);
      transition: box-shadow .4s ease;
    }
    .pillar-col:hover .pillar-figure { box-shadow: 0 18px 34px -12px rgba(33,49,99,.6); }
    .pillar-figure img {
      width: 100%; height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover; display: block;
      transition: transform .6s ease;
    }
    .pillar-col:hover .pillar-figure img { transform: scale(1.08); }
    .pillar-title {
      font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.3rem; line-height: 1.22;
      color: #00A9E4; margin-bottom: 12px;
      transition: color .3s ease;
    }
    .pillar-col:hover .pillar-title { color: var(--brand); }
    .pillar-desc {
      font-size: 13.5px; color: #6a655b; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0;
    }
    /* Figure placed below the paragraph (cols 2 & 4) */
    .pillar-desc + .pillar-figure { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 0; }

    @media (max-width: 991px) and (min-width: 768px) {
      .pillars-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); row-gap: 40px; column-gap: 8px; }
      .pillar-col { margin-top: 0 !important; padding: 0 20px; border-left: none; }
      .pillar-col:nth-child(3), .pillar-col:nth-child(4) { padding-top: 0; }
      .pillar-col:nth-child(2) { border-left: 1px solid rgba(168,140,86,.35); }
      .pillar-col:nth-child(4) { border-left: 1px solid rgba(168,140,86,.35); }
    }
    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .pillars-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; row-gap: 20px; }
      .pillar-col {
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        background: #fff;
        border-radius: 16px;
        padding: 20px 20px 22px;
        border-left: none !important;
        margin-top: 0 !important;
        box-shadow: 0 14px 30px -18px rgba(33,49,99,.28);
        transition: transform .3s ease, box-shadow .3s ease;
      }
      .pillar-col:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); }
      .pillar-col .pillar-figure { order: -1; margin-top: 0 !important; margin-bottom: 16px; height: 180px; }
      .pillar-desc + .pillar-figure { margin-top: 0; }
      .pillar-num { display: none; }
    }

    /* Small accent underline under a section heading */
    .heading-underline {
      display: inline-block;
      width: 56px;
      height: 1px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-deep));
      margin-top: 12px;
    }
    .heading-underline-tight { margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 6px; }

    /* ===== REACH STATS ===== */
    .cohort-tabs {
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center;
      background: var(--soft-blue-2);
      border: 1px solid var(--border);
      border-radius: 999px;
      padding: 4px;
      gap: 4px;
      margin: 0 auto 28px;
    }
    .cohort-tabs-wrap { display: flex; justify-content: center; }
    .cohort-tab {
      border: none;
      background: transparent;
      color: var(--ink-muted);
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 13.5px;
      padding: 9px 20px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: all .25s ease;
      display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;
    }
    .cohort-tab:hover { color: var(--brand); }
    .cohort-tab .cohort-year { font-weight: 500; opacity: .8; }
    .cohort-tab.active {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-deep));
      color: #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 18px -8px rgba(31,90,245,.4);
    }
    .cohort-tab.active .cohort-year { color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); opacity: 1; }
    .cohort-pane { display: none; animation: pane-in .35s ease both; }
    .cohort-pane.active { display: block; }

    /* Tabs on top; each cohort pane has its own map (left) + stats (right) */
    .cohort-tabs-wrap { margin-bottom: 28px; }
    .reach-layout-inner {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 0.85fr 1.15fr;
      gap: 48px;
      align-items: start;
    }
    .reach-map { text-align: center; }
    .reach-map img {
      max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .reach-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 30px 18px;
    }
    .reach-circle { text-align: center; }
    .reach-ring {
      width: 118px; height: 118px; border-radius: 50%;
      margin: 0 auto 12px;
      display: flex; flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 3px;
      background: #fff;
      border: 3px solid #9ec5fe;
      transition: transform .3s ease, border-color .3s ease, box-shadow .3s ease;
    }
    .reach-circle:hover .reach-ring {
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      border-color: var(--brand);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 30px -18px rgba(31,90,245,.45);
    }
    .reach-ring i {
      font-size: 30px; color: var(--brand); line-height: 1;
      transition: color .3s ease;
    }
    .reach-circle:hover .reach-ring i { color: var(--brand); }
    .reach-ring .reach-num {
      font-size: 25px; font-weight: 800; color: #213163;
      letter-spacing: -.02em; line-height: 1;
    }
    .reach-label {
      font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--ink-muted); font-weight: 600;
      line-height: 1.35; max-width: 130px; margin: 0 auto;
    }

    @media (max-width: 991px) {
      .reach-layout-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; }
      .reach-map { max-width: 340px; margin: 0 auto; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 575px) {
      .reach-grid { gap: 24px 10px; }
      .reach-ring { width: 96px; height: 96px; }
      .reach-ring .reach-num { font-size: 22px; }
    }

    /* Accent dot on the active cohort tab */
    .cohort-tab.active::after {
      content: "";
      width: 6px; height: 6px; border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--brand-yellow);
      margin-left: 2px;
      box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(33,49,99,.25);
    }

    /* ===== STORIES (testimonial cards) ===== */
    #stories.section {
      background-image:
        linear-gradient(rgba(10,15,30,.78), rgba(10,15,30,.78)),
        url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523240795612-9a054b0db644?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&q=80');
      background-size: cover;
      background-position: center;
      background-attachment: fixed;
    }
    #stories .eyebrow { color: #fff; }
    #stories h2 { color: #fff; }
    .story-card {
      position: relative;
      background: var(--soft-blue);
      border: 1px solid rgba(31,90,245,.12);
      border-radius: 14px;
      padding: 24px 22px 22px;
      height: 100%;
      display: flex; flex-direction: column;
      transition: transform .3s ease, box-shadow .3s ease;
    }
    .story-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 40px -18px rgba(31,90,245,.28);
    }
    .story-quote {
      color: var(--brand);
      opacity: .32;
      font-size: 44px; line-height: .8;
      margin-bottom: 8px;
      display: inline-block;
    }
    .story-card p {
      font-style: italic;
      font-size: 13.5px;
      color: var(--ink);
      line-height: 1.7;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      flex-grow: 1;
    }
    .story-person {
      display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 12px;
      border-top: 1px solid rgba(31,90,245,.14);
      padding-top: 14px;
    }
    .story-avatar {
      width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      display: grid; place-items: center;
      font-weight: 700; font-size: 14.5px; color: #fff;
      letter-spacing: .02em;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-deep));
      box-shadow: 0 6px 14px -6px rgba(15,23,42,.35);
    }
    .story-avatar.av-2 { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand-yellow), var(--brand-yellow-dark)); color: #fff; }
    .story-avatar.av-3 { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-deep)); }
    .story-avatar.av-4 { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand-yellow), var(--brand-yellow-dark)); color: #fff; }
    .story-card .name { font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; color: var(--brand-dark); line-height: 1.3; }
    .story-card .role { font-size: 10.5px; color: var(--ink-muted); margin-top: 2px; line-height: 1.35; }

    /* Alternate yellow-tinted cards (2nd & 4th) */
    #stories .row > div:nth-child(even) .story-card {
      background: #eef4fb;
      border-color: rgba(33,49,99,.22);
    }
    #stories .row > div:nth-child(even) .story-card:hover {
      box-shadow: 0 22px 40px -18px rgba(33,49,99,.4);
    }
    #stories .row > div:nth-child(even) .story-quote { color: var(--brand-yellow); opacity: .4; }
    #stories .row > div:nth-child(even) .story-person { border-top-color: rgba(33,49,99,.3); }
    #stories .row > div:nth-child(even) .story-card .name { color: var(--ink); }

    /* Alt-tinted card variant for the testimonials carousel (class-based, since Owl breaks nth-child) */
    .story-card.story-card-alt { background: #eef4fb; border-color: rgba(33,49,99,.22); }
    .story-card.story-card-alt:hover { box-shadow: 0 22px 40px -18px rgba(33,49,99,.4); }
    .story-card.story-card-alt .story-quote { color: var(--brand-yellow); opacity: .4; }
    .story-card.story-card-alt .story-person { border-top-color: rgba(33,49,99,.3); }
    .story-card.story-card-alt .name { color: var(--ink); }

    /* Testimonials carousel (Owl) — equal-height cards + nav/dots */
    .owl-testimonials .owl-stage { display: flex; padding: 6px 0 14px; }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-item { display: flex; }
    .owl-testimonials .item { display: flex; flex: 1 1 auto; }
    .owl-testimonials { position: relative; }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav {
      position: absolute; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%);
      width: 100%; left: 0; margin: 0;
      display: flex; justify-content: space-between; pointer-events: none;
    }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav button.owl-prev,
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav button.owl-next {
      pointer-events: auto;
      width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50% !important;
      background: #fff !important; border: 1px solid var(--border) !important;
      color: var(--brand) !important; font-size: 18px !important;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 24px -14px rgba(15,23,42,.4);
      display: inline-grid; place-items: center;
      transition: background .2s ease, color .2s ease;
    }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav button.owl-prev:hover,
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav button.owl-next:hover {
      background: var(--brand) !important; color: #fff !important;
    }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav .owl-prev { margin-left: -20px; }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-nav .owl-next { margin-right: -20px; }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-dots { margin-top: 22px; text-align: center; }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-dots .owl-dot span {
      width: 9px; height: 9px; margin: 4px; display: inline-block;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,.35); border-radius: 50%; transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .owl-testimonials .owl-dots .owl-dot.active span,
    .owl-testimonials .owl-dots .owl-dot:hover span { background: var(--brand-yellow); width: 26px; border-radius: 999px; }
    @media (max-width: 575.98px) {
      .owl-testimonials .owl-nav { position: static; transform: none; justify-content: center; gap: 16px; margin-top: 18px; }
      .owl-testimonials .owl-nav .owl-prev,
      .owl-testimonials .owl-nav .owl-next { margin: 0; }
    }

    /* ===== ABOUT / LEARN-TO-EARN ===== */
    .about-media { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 4/3.4; }
    .about-media .img-clip {
      position: absolute; inset: 0;
      border-radius: 14px; overflow: hidden;
    }
    .about-media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; }
    .about-badge {
      position: absolute; bottom: -22px; right: -18px;
      background: var(--brand-yellow); color: #1a1a1a;
      padding: 12px 16px; border-radius: 14px; font-weight: 800;
      box-shadow: 0 14px 30px -10px rgba(0,0,0,.35);
      display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px;
      z-index: 3;
      animation: badge-float 3.4s ease-in-out infinite;
    }
    .about-badge .badge-icon {
      width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 10px;
      background: #1a1a1a; color: #fff;
      display: grid; place-items: center; font-size: 20px;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }
    .about-badge .badge-text { line-height: 1.15; }
    .about-badge .big { font-size: 22px; line-height: 1; }
    .about-badge .small { font-size: 10.5px; font-weight: 600; opacity: .85; display: block; margin-top: 2px; }
    @keyframes badge-float {
      0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0) rotate(-1deg); }
      50%      { transform: translateY(-8px) rotate(1deg); }
    }

    .about-features { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; margin-top: 18px; }
    .feature-pill {
      background: var(--soft-blue); color: var(--brand-dark);
      padding: 10px 14px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 600;
      display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;
    }
    .feature-pill i { font-size: 14px; }

    /* ===== PROGRAM COMPONENTS (left-tabs accordion) ===== */
    .components-wrap {
      background: #fff; border: none;
      border-radius: 16px; overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 18px 40px -22px rgba(15,23,42,.12);
    }
    .components-tabs {
      position: relative;
      padding: 22px 18px;
      border-right: none;
      display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px;
      isolation: isolate;
      min-height: 100%;
      background: linear-gradient(165deg, var(--soft-blue) 0%, var(--soft-blue-2) 100%);
    }
    .components-tabs::after {
      content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
      background-image:
        radial-gradient(circle at 20% 15%, rgba(31,90,245,.08), transparent 45%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 80% 85%, rgba(33,49,99,.10), transparent 50%);
      pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;
    }
    .components-tabs > * { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
    .component-tab {
      display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px;
      padding: 14px 16px; border-radius: 12px;
      background: transparent;
      border: 1px solid transparent;
      cursor: pointer; text-align: left; width: 100%;
      color: var(--ink); font-family: inherit;
      transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .component-tab:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.7); transform: translateX(2px); }
    .component-tab.active {
      background: #fff;
      border-color: transparent;
      color: var(--ink);
      box-shadow: 0 10px 22px -10px rgba(31,90,245,.18);
    }
    .component-tab .tab-num {
      width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 10px;
      display: grid; place-items: center; flex-shrink: 0;
      font-size: 18px;
      background: #fff; color: var(--brand);
      border: none;
      transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .component-tab .tab-num i { line-height: 1; }
    .component-tab.active .tab-num {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-deep));
      color: #fff; border-color: transparent;
    }
    .component-tab.active.alt .tab-num {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand-yellow), var(--brand-yellow-dark));
      color: #1a1a1a;
    }
    .component-tab .tab-title { font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.35; }
    .component-tab .tab-arrow { margin-left: auto; opacity: 0; transform: translateX(-4px); transition: all .25s ease; color: var(--brand); }
    .component-tab.active .tab-arrow { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }
    .component-tab.active.alt .tab-arrow { color: #fff; }

    .components-panes { padding: 36px 36px; position: relative; min-height: 280px; }
    .component-pane { display: none; animation: pane-in .35s ease both; }
    .component-pane.active { display: block; }
    .component-pane .eyebrow-sm {
      font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .18em; color: var(--brand);
      font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 8px;
    }
    .component-pane h3 { font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 14px; }
    .component-pane p { font-size: 14.5px; color: var(--ink-muted); line-height: 1.75; margin: 0; }
    @keyframes pane-in {
      from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(6px); }
      to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
    }
    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .components-tabs { border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }
      .components-panes { padding: 24px; min-height: auto; }
    }

    /* ===== JOURNEY ===== */
    .journey-section {
      background:
        linear-gradient(150deg, rgba(26,77,222,.92) 0%, rgba(19,64,196,.94) 60%, rgba(11,59,191,.95) 100%),
        url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523580494863-6f3031224c94?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&q=80') center/cover no-repeat fixed;
      color: #fff; padding: 56px 0 28px;
      position: relative;
      isolation: isolate;
    }
    .journey-section::before {
      content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
      background-image:
        radial-gradient(circle at 15% 20%, rgba(33,49,99,.14), transparent 40%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 85% 80%, rgba(255,255,255,.08), transparent 45%);
      pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;
    }
    .journey-section > .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
    .journey-section .eyebrow { color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); }
    .journey-section h2 { color: #fff; }
    .journey-card {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 16px;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: all .35s ease;
      position: relative;
      display: flex; flex-direction: column;
      height: 100%;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 24px -14px rgba(0,0,0,.5);
    }
    .journey-card:hover { transform: translateY(-6px); box-shadow: 0 22px 42px -18px rgba(0,0,0,.55); }
    .journey-cover {
      position: relative; height: 150px; overflow: hidden;
    }
    .journey-cover img {
      width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block;
      transition: transform .6s ease;
    }
    .journey-card:hover .journey-cover img { transform: scale(1.08); }
    .journey-cover::after {
      content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
      background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(11,59,191,.55) 0%, rgba(11,59,191,0) 55%);
    }
    .journey-step-badge {
      position: absolute; top: 12px; left: 12px;
      background: var(--brand-yellow); color: #1a1a1a;
      font-weight: 800; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .12em;
      padding: 5px 10px; border-radius: 999px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 14px -6px rgba(0,0,0,.4);
      z-index: 2;
    }
    .journey-body {
      padding: 16px 18px 18px;
      display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 10px;
      flex: 1 1 auto;
    }
    .journey-body .j-title {
      font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink);
      line-height: 1.25;
    }
    .journey-arrow {
      width: 30px; height: 30px; border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--soft-blue); color: var(--brand);
      display: grid; place-items: center; font-size: 13px;
      flex-shrink: 0; transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .journey-card:hover .journey-arrow {
      background: var(--brand-yellow); color: #1a1a1a;
      transform: rotate(-45deg);
    }

    /* Owl carousel theming for journey */
    .journey-carousel .owl-stage { padding: 6px 0 14px; display: flex; }
    .journey-carousel .owl-item { display: flex; }
    .journey-carousel .owl-item > .item { width: 100%; display: flex; }
    .journey-carousel .owl-item .item > .journey-card { width: 100%; }
    .journey-carousel .owl-nav {
      display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 10px;
      margin-top: 22px;
    }
    .journey-carousel .owl-nav button.owl-prev,
    .journey-carousel .owl-nav button.owl-next {
      width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50% !important;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,.12) !important;
      color: #fff !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25) !important;
      font-size: 18px !important;
      transition: all .25s ease;
      display: grid; place-items: center;
    }
    .journey-carousel .owl-nav button.owl-prev:hover,
    .journey-carousel .owl-nav button.owl-next:hover {
      background: var(--brand-yellow) !important;
      color: #1a1a1a !important;
      border-color: transparent !important;
      transform: translateY(-2px);
    }
    .journey-carousel .owl-dots { text-align: center; margin-top: 14px; }
    .journey-carousel .owl-dots button.owl-dot span {
      width: 10px; height: 10px; margin: 4px;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,.3) !important;
      transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .journey-carousel .owl-dots button.owl-dot.active span,
    .journey-carousel .owl-dots button.owl-dot:hover span {
      background: var(--brand-yellow) !important;
      width: 26px; border-radius: 999px;
    }

    /* ===== ELIGIBILITY ===== */
    .elig-card {
      position: relative;
      background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--border);
      border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 20px; height: 100%;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: transform .3s ease, box-shadow .3s ease, border-color .3s ease;
    }
    .elig-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
      height: 3px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brand), var(--brand-yellow));
      transform: scaleX(0);
      transform-origin: left center;
      transition: transform .35s ease;
      z-index: 2;
    }
    .elig-card > * { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
    .elig-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      box-shadow: 0 20px 38px -14px rgba(31,90,245,.22);
      border-color: transparent;
    }
    .elig-card:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }
    .elig-card .elig-head {
      display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;
      color: var(--brand); font-weight: 700; font-size: 12px;
      letter-spacing: .1em; margin-bottom: 8px;
      transition: color .25s ease;
    }
    .elig-card .elig-head i {
      font-size: 16px;
      transition: transform .35s ease, color .25s ease;
      display: inline-block;
    }
    .elig-card:hover .elig-head { color: var(--brand-deep); }
    .elig-card:hover .elig-head i {
      transform: scale(1.25) rotate(-6deg);
      color: #fff;
    }
    .elig-card p { font-size: 13px; color: var(--ink-muted); margin: 0; }

    /* ===== CTA ===== */
    .cta-band {
      position: relative;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a4dde 0%, #0e36ac 100%);
      border-radius: 16px; padding: 36px 40px; color: #fff;
      display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;
      box-shadow: 0 24px 50px -18px rgba(20,70,214,.5);
      overflow: hidden;
      isolation: isolate;
    }
    .cta-band::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute; inset: 0;
      background-image:
        radial-gradient(circle at 12% 20%, rgba(33,49,99,.10), transparent 35%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 88% 80%, rgba(255,255,255,.08), transparent 40%);
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    .cta-hex {
      position: absolute;
      top: 0; right: 0;
      height: 100%;
      width: 60%;
      pointer-events: none;
      opacity: .7;
      z-index: 0;
      mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, #000 28%, #000 100%);
      -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, #000 28%, #000 100%);
    }
    .cta-hex .hex        { fill: none; stroke: rgba(255,255,255,.28); stroke-width: 1; }
    .cta-hex .hex-bright { fill: rgba(255,255,255,.06); stroke: rgba(255,255,255,.55); stroke-width: 1.2; }
    .cta-hex .hex-yellow {
      fill: rgba(33,49,99,.10);
      stroke: rgba(33,49,99,.65);
      stroke-width: 1.4;
      transform-origin: center; transform-box: fill-box;
      animation: cta-hex-pulse 3s ease-in-out infinite;
    }
    .cta-hex .hex-y-2 { animation-delay: 1s; }
    .cta-hex .hex-y-3 { animation-delay: 2s; }
    .cta-hex .link    { stroke: rgba(255,255,255,.35); stroke-width: 1; fill: none; }
    .cta-hex .link-y  { stroke: rgba(33,49,99,.55); stroke-width: 1.2; fill: none; }
    .cta-hex .node-w  { fill: rgba(255,255,255,.9); }
    .cta-hex .node-y  { fill: var(--brand-yellow); }
    .cta-hex .node-pulse {
      transform-origin: center; transform-box: fill-box;
      animation: cta-hex-dot 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;
    }
    .cta-hex .node-pulse-2 { animation-delay: .8s; }
    @keyframes cta-hex-pulse {
      0%, 100% { opacity: .55; }
      50%      { opacity: 1; }
    }
    @keyframes cta-hex-dot {
      0%, 100% { opacity: .55; transform: scale(1); }
      50%      { opacity: 1;   transform: scale(1.6); }
    }
    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .cta-hex { width: 80%; opacity: .35; }
    }
    .cta-band > div { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
    .cta-band h3 { color: #fff; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 8px; }
    .cta-band p { color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); margin: 0; font-size: 14px; max-width: 540px; }

    /* ===== FOOTER ===== */
    .site-footer {
      padding: 0;
      background: var(--soft-blue-2);
      border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
      font-size: 12.5px;
      color: var(--ink-muted);
    }
    .footer-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1.5fr 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 40px;
      padding: 48px 0 36px;
    }
    .footer-logo {
      height: 26px; width: auto; display: block; margin-bottom: 16px;
    }
    .footer-about { color: var(--ink-muted); line-height: 1.75; margin: 0; max-width: 420px; }
    .footer-heading {
      color: var(--ink); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px;
      margin-bottom: 16px; letter-spacing: .01em;
    }
    .footer-links {
      list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0;
      display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      column-gap: 20px;
    }
    .footer-links li {
      margin-bottom: 10px;
      position: relative; padding-left: 16px;
    }
    .footer-links li::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute; left: 0; top: 7px;
      width: 6px; height: 6px; border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--brand-yellow);
    }
    .footer-links a { color: var(--ink-muted); font-weight: 500; }
    .footer-links a:hover { color: var(--brand); }
    .footer-contact {
      display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;
      color: var(--ink-muted); font-weight: 500;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }
    .footer-contact:hover { color: var(--brand); }
    .footer-contact i { font-size: 16px; color: var(--brand); flex-shrink: 0; }
    .footer-social { display: flex; gap: 10px; margin-top: 6px; }
    .footer-social a {
      width: 34px; height: 34px; border-radius: 50%;
      display: grid; place-items: center;
      background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--border);
      color: var(--brand); font-size: 15px;
      transition: all .25s ease;
    }
    .site-footer .footer-social a:hover {
      background: var(--brand); color: #fff;
      border-color: var(--brand);
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      text-decoration: none;
    }
    .footer-bottom {
      padding: 18px 0;
      border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
    }
    .site-footer a { color: var(--brand); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; }
    .site-footer a:hover { color: var(--brand-dark); text-decoration: underline; }
    .footer-links a, .footer-about { text-decoration: none; }

    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; padding: 36px 0 28px; }
      .footer-bottom { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; text-align: left; }
    }

    /* utility */
    .divider-soft { background: var(--soft-blue-2); height: 1px; }

    @media (max-width: 991px) {
      .hero { min-height: 0; }
      .hero-slider { position: relative; }
      .hero-slider .hero-slide {
        position: relative; inset: auto;
        display: none;
        opacity: 1;
        padding: 40px 0;
      }
      .hero-slider .hero-slide.active { display: flex; }
      .media-arrow { display: none; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .hero-caption h1 { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 6vw, 2rem); }
      .section { padding: 44px 0; }
      .cta-band { padding: 26px; text-align: center; justify-content: center; }
      .about-features { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    }

    /* ===== PAGE HEADER (compact hero for inside pages) ===== */
    .page-header {
      background: linear-gradient(160deg, #33bef0 0%, #00A9E4 50%, #0090c4 100%);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 56px 0 60px;
      border-top: none;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }
    .page-header::before {
      content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
      background-image:
        radial-gradient(circle at 15% 20%, rgba(255,255,255,.08), transparent 35%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 85% 80%, rgba(33,49,99,.10), transparent 40%);
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    .page-header::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
      width: 50%;
      background-image: var(--ph-image, none);
      background-size: cover;
      background-position: center;
      opacity: .22;
      mix-blend-mode: luminosity;
      mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, #000 35%, #000 100%);
      -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, #000 35%, #000 100%);
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    @media (max-width: 767px) {
      .page-header::after { width: 70%; opacity: .14; }
    }
    .page-header .container { position: relative; z-index: 2; }
    .page-header h1 {
      color: #fff;
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem);
      line-height: 1.15;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      margin-bottom: 10px;
    }
    .page-header p {
      color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);
      font-size: 15px; max-width: 720px; margin: 0;
    }