/* ==========================================================================
   Career Skills Center — global stylesheet
   Design tokens mirror the reference site (navy / yellow / Roboto / Poppins).
   Shared by every page; page-specific rules go at the bottom under "PAGES".
   ========================================================================== */

/* ---------- Design tokens ---------- */
:root {
  --navy:        #1e2b64;   /* primary brand */
  --navy-dark:   #161f4b;   /* footer, deep panels */
  --navy-deep:   #1e2b64;   /* buttons, gradients */
  --yellow:      #ef6625;   /* accent / CTA */
  --yellow-dark: #d4551a;
  --accent-blue: #40b0e4;   /* NTI-style accent line & stat numbers */
  --ink:         #343434;   /* body text */
  --ink-light:   #4E4E4E;
  --muted:       #1f7fae;
  --line:        #E4E7EB;
  --surface:     #FFFFFF;
  --surface-alt: #edeff6;
  --surface-gray:#d9eff9;

  --font-body:   "Roboto", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
  --font-display:"Poppins", "Roboto", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;

  --container:   1180px;
  --gutter:      clamp(16px, 4vw, 40px);
  --section-y:   clamp(64px, 9vw, 120px);
  --header-h:    88px;

  --radius:      2px;
  --shadow:      0 20px 50px rgba(22,31,75, 0.14);
  --ease:        cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1);
}

/* ---------- Reset / base ---------- */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  html { scroll-behavior: auto; }
  *, *::before, *::after { animation: none !important; transition: none !important; }
}
body {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 16px;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--ink);
  background: var(--surface);
  overflow-x: hidden;
}
img, svg { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
ul, ol { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }
h1, h2, h3, h4 { margin: 0; line-height: 1.15; font-weight: 700; }
p { margin: 0 0 1em; }
button { font: inherit; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; }
strong { font-weight: 700; }

.sr-only {
  position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; padding: 0; margin: -1px;
  overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0,0,0,0); white-space: nowrap; border: 0;
}
.skip-link {
  position: absolute; left: 8px; top: -60px; z-index: 1000;
  background: var(--yellow); color: var(--navy-dark); padding: 10px 14px; font-weight: 700;
}
.skip-link:focus { top: 8px; }

.container { width: 100%; max-width: var(--container); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.container.narrow { max-width: 860px; }
/* Narrow sections keep short, readable lines but start at the same left edge as every other section */
.container.narrow:not(.text-center) { max-width: var(--container); }
.container.narrow:not(.text-center) > * { max-width: calc(860px - 2 * var(--gutter)); }
.container.narrow:not(.text-center) > .note { max-width: calc(860px - 2 * var(--gutter) + 80px); }
.text-center { text-align: center; }
.section { position: relative; padding-block: var(--section-y); }

/* ---------- Typography ---------- */
.section-title {
  font-size: clamp(28px, 3vw, 36px);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  margin-bottom: 0.5em;
}
.section-title.left { text-align: left; }
.lede { font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.8; }

.eyebrow {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px;
  font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.12em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.eyebrow-line { width: 60px; height: 3px; background: var(--accent-blue); margin-left: calc(-60px - 14px); }
p.eyebrow:not(.eyebrow--light) { color: var(--muted); }
.eyebrow--light { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); }
@media (max-width: 1320px) { .eyebrow-line { margin-left: 0; width: 34px; } }
/* Desktop: drop the accent dash below its label, starting at the same left edge
   as the text. Mobile keeps the inline dash above. */
@media (min-width: 1025px) {
  .eyebrow { flex-direction: column-reverse; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; }
  .eyebrow-line { width: 60px; margin-left: 0; }
}
/* Section labels show without the accent line (Emilio, 2026-10-04) */
.eyebrow-line { display: none; }

.link-yellow { color: var(--yellow-dark); font-weight: 700; }
.link-yellow:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

/* ---------- Buttons ---------- */
.btn {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  padding: 14px 32px; border: 2px solid transparent; border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase;
  line-height: 1.2; transition: background .25s var(--ease), color .25s var(--ease), transform .25s var(--ease);
}
.btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); }
.btn-yellow { background: var(--yellow); color: var(--navy-dark); }
.btn-yellow:hover { background: var(--yellow-dark); }
.btn-navy { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.btn-navy:hover { background: var(--navy-dark); }
.btn-sm { padding: 10px 26px; font-size: 13px; border-radius: 999px; }
.btn-block { width: 100%; }

/* ---------- Decorative dot grids (as on the reference) ---------- */
.deco-dots {
  position: absolute; pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;
  background-image: radial-gradient(rgba(30,43,100,.28) 1.6px, transparent 1.7px);
  background-size: 14px 14px;
}
.deco-dots--left  { left: 0; top: 0; width: 190px; height: 340px; clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 0 100%); }
.deco-dots--right { right: 0; bottom: 0; width: 220px; height: 300px; clip-path: polygon(100% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%); }
.deco-dots--about {
  right: -40px; top: -40px; width: 200px; height: 200px;
  background-image: radial-gradient(rgba(239,102,37,.75) 1.8px, transparent 1.9px);
  clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 100%);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   HEADER
   ========================================================================== */
.site-header {
  position: fixed; inset-inline: 0; top: 0; z-index: 100;
  height: var(--header-h);
  background: transparent;
  transition: background .35s var(--ease), box-shadow .35s var(--ease);
}
.site-header.is-scrolled,
.site-header.is-open {
  background: var(--navy);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.18);
}
.header-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; height: 100%; }

.brand { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; color: #fff; }
.brand-mark {
  display: grid; place-items: center; width: 46px; height: 46px;
  border: 2px solid #fff; font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 800; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: .04em;
}
.brand-text { font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.05; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .12em; font-weight: 500; }

.primary-nav { display: flex; align-items: center; }
.nav-list { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px; }
.nav-list > li { position: relative; }
.nav-list > li > a {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;
  padding: 10px 16px; color: #fff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase;
  transition: color .2s;
}
.nav-list > li > a:hover { color: var(--yellow); }
.chev { width: 7px; height: 7px; border-right: 2px solid currentColor; border-bottom: 2px solid currentColor; transform: translateY(-2px) rotate(45deg); }
.dropdown-toggle { display: none; }
.nav-cta-item { margin-left: 12px; }

.dropdown {
  position: absolute; top: 100%; left: 8px; min-width: 240px;
  background: #fff; padding: 10px 0; box-shadow: var(--shadow);
  border-top: 3px solid var(--yellow);
  opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transform: translateY(8px);
  transition: opacity .2s var(--ease), transform .2s var(--ease), visibility 0s .2s;
}
.dropdown a { display: block; padding: 10px 20px; font-size: 14px; color: var(--ink); }
.dropdown a:hover { background: var(--surface-alt); color: var(--navy); }
.has-dropdown:hover > .dropdown,
.has-dropdown:focus-within > .dropdown,
.has-dropdown.is-open > .dropdown {
  opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: translateY(0); transition-delay: 0s;
}

.nav-toggle {
  display: none; width: 44px; height: 44px; padding: 8px; background: none; border: 0;
  flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; gap: 5px;
}
.nav-toggle-bar { display: block; height: 2px; width: 100%; background: #fff; transition: transform .25s, opacity .25s; }
.site-header.is-open .nav-toggle-bar:nth-child(2) { transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg); }
.site-header.is-open .nav-toggle-bar:nth-child(3) { opacity: 0; }
.site-header.is-open .nav-toggle-bar:nth-child(4) { transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg); }

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .nav-toggle { display: flex; }
  .primary-nav {
    position: absolute; top: var(--header-h); left: 0; right: 0;
    background: var(--navy); padding: 8px 0 20px;
    max-height: calc(100dvh - var(--header-h)); overflow-y: auto;
    display: none;
  }
  .site-header.is-open .primary-nav { display: block; }
  .nav-list { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; gap: 0; }
  .nav-list > li { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08); }
  .nav-list > li > a { padding: 14px var(--gutter); }
  .chev { display: none; }
  .dropdown-toggle {
    display: block; width: 56px; background: none; border: 0; position: relative;
  }
  .dropdown-toggle::after {
    content: ""; position: absolute; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 9px; height: 9px;
    border-right: 2px solid #fff; border-bottom: 2px solid #fff;
    transform: translate(-50%,-70%) rotate(45deg); transition: transform .2s;
  }
  .dropdown-toggle[aria-expanded="true"]::after { transform: translate(-50%,-30%) rotate(-135deg); }
  .dropdown {
    grid-column: 1 / -1; position: static; min-width: 0; box-shadow: none; border-top: 0;
    background: rgba(0,0,0,.18); padding: 0; transform: none;
    display: none; opacity: 1; visibility: visible;
  }
  .has-dropdown.is-open > .dropdown { display: block; }
  .has-dropdown:hover > .dropdown:not(.force) { /* no hover on touch */ }
  .dropdown a { color: #fff; padding: 12px calc(var(--gutter) + 16px); }
  .dropdown a:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.06); color: var(--yellow); }
  .nav-cta-item { margin: 16px var(--gutter) 0; border-bottom: 0; display: block; }
  .nav-cta-item .btn { width: 100%; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   HERO
   ========================================================================== */
.hero {
  position: relative; min-height: 100svh; display: flex; align-items: center;
  padding-top: calc(var(--header-h) + 40px); padding-bottom: 120px;
  color: #fff; overflow: hidden;
  clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 86%, 0 100%);
}
.hero-bg, .hero-overlay { position: absolute; inset: 0; }
.hero-slide {
  position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center;
  opacity: 0; transition: opacity 1.6s ease;
}
.hero-slide.is-active { opacity: 1; }
.hero-overlay {
  background: linear-gradient(100deg, rgba(22,31,75,.88) 0%, rgba(30,43,100,.72) 45%, rgba(30,43,100,.45) 100%);
}
.hero-content { position: relative; z-index: 1; max-width: 1180px; }
.hero-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: clamp(20px, 2.6vw, 30px);
  letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 0; opacity: .9;
}
.hero-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 800; text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: clamp(48px, 8.5vw, 94px); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin-bottom: 26px;
}
.hero-title .dot { color: var(--yellow); }
.hero-lede { max-width: 560px; font-size: clamp(16px, 1.3vw, 19px); line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 34px; }
.hero-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px; }
@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .hero { clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 93%, 0 100%); padding-bottom: 90px; }
  .hero-actions .btn { flex: 1 1 100%; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   WHAT WE DO
   ========================================================================== */
.what-we-do { padding-top: clamp(40px, 6vw, 80px); }
.what-we-do .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
/* Home intro: breathing room and a divider between the centered statement and the guides below */
.what-we-do .text-center + .container { margin-top: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px); }
.what-we-do .text-center + .container::before {
  content: ""; display: block; height: 2px; background: var(--accent-blue);
  margin-bottom: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px);
}
.feature-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: clamp(24px, 4vw, 48px);
  margin-top: clamp(40px, 6vw, 80px);
}
.feature { position: relative; padding-top: 22px; }
.feature::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 60px; height: 3px; background: var(--navy); }
.feature-title { font-size: 20px; color: var(--ink); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.feature p { color: var(--ink-light); }
.read-more { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; }
.read-more .arrow {
  width: 18px; height: 18px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--navy); position: relative; flex: none;
}
.read-more .arrow::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; left: 5px; top: 6px; width: 5px; height: 5px;
  border-right: 2px solid #fff; border-top: 2px solid #fff; transform: rotate(45deg);
}
.read-more:hover { color: var(--yellow-dark); }
@media (max-width: 800px) { .feature-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   PROGRAMS — Today's In-Demand Careers
   ========================================================================== */
.programs { background: var(--surface-alt); overflow: hidden; }
.programs-banner {
  position: absolute; inset: 0 0 auto 0; height: 62%; pointer-events: none;
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0,0,0,.35), transparent 95%);
          mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0,0,0,.35), transparent 95%);
}
.programs-banner img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center top; filter: grayscale(35%); opacity: .35; }
.programs .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.program-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 24px; margin-top: 40px; }

.program-card {
  position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  gap: 18px; min-height: 340px; padding: 40px 24px;
  background: var(--navy); color: #fff; text-align: center;
  border: 4px solid rgba(255,255,255,.55);
  box-shadow: 0 16px 36px rgba(22,31,75,.18);
}
.program-icon { width: 96px; height: 96px; color: var(--yellow); }
.program-icon svg { width: 100%; height: 100%; }
.program-name { font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; }
.program-more { font-size: 13px; color: var(--yellow); font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: .04em; }
.program-more::before { content: "→ "; }

/* TODO (later phase): recreate the reference hover effect here.
   Sketch of the intended behaviour, intentionally not implemented yet:
     .program-card::before { background-image: url(data-hover-image) }  — photo layer
     .program-card:hover .program-icon { opacity: 0; }                  — icon fades out
     .program-card:hover { background: transparent; }                  — navy panel fades
     .program-card:hover .program-name { transform: translateY(...) }  — label slides to bottom strip
   Keep .program-card:focus-visible parity with :hover when this is built. */

@media (max-width: 900px) { .program-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; max-width: 480px; } .program-card { min-height: 280px; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   ABOUT / MISSION
   ========================================================================== */
.about-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.15fr; gap: clamp(32px, 6vw, 90px); align-items: center; }
.about-media { position: relative; }
.about-media img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 / 5; object-fit: cover; position: relative; z-index: 1; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.about-copy p { color: var(--ink-light); }
.arrow-list { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 14px 28px; margin-top: 28px; }
.arrow-list li { position: relative; padding-left: 26px; color: var(--ink-light); line-height: 1.55; }
.arrow-list li::before { content: "→"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .about-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .about-media { max-width: 520px; }
  .arrow-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   CTA BAND
   ========================================================================== */
.cta-band { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; padding-block: clamp(48px, 6vw, 80px); }
.cta-title { font-size: clamp(28px, 4vw, 44px); font-weight: 500; margin-bottom: 26px; }

/* ==========================================================================
   STEP BY STEP
   Background photo: images/hero3.webp (adult learners in class).
   A light gradient wash sits over it so the white step cards stay readable.
   Swap the file in the url() to change the photo.
   ========================================================================== */
.steps { background: var(--surface-gray); overflow: hidden; }
.steps::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;
  background:
    linear-gradient(100deg, rgba(64,176,228,.97) 0%, rgba(64,176,228,.9) 45%, rgba(64,176,228,.55) 100%),
    url("../images/hero3.webp") center / cover no-repeat;
}
.steps-placeholder-tag { display: none; }
.steps .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.step-list { display: grid; gap: 4px; max-width: 700px; margin-top: 36px; }
.step-card {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr; gap: 24px; align-items: start;
  background: #fff; padding: 34px 36px 30px 24px; box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(22,31,75,.06);
}
.step-num { text-align: center; }
.step-num .num { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 88px; font-weight: 800; line-height: .9; color: var(--navy-dark); }
.step-num .lbl { display: block; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .16em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 4px; }
.step-body h3 { font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.step-body p { color: var(--ink-light); margin: 0; }
.steps-cta { max-width: 700px; margin-top: 4px; }
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .step-card { grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding: 26px 22px; }
  .step-num { display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 10px; }
  .step-num .num { font-size: 56px; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   TESTIMONIALS
   ========================================================================== */
.testimonials { overflow: hidden; }
.testimonials .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.testimonials-head { max-width: 360px; margin-bottom: 40px; }
.testimonial {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.4fr; margin: 0 0 40px; align-items: stretch;
}
.testimonial--reverse { grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr; margin-left: auto; max-width: 92%; }
.testimonial-photo img { width: 100%; height: 100%; min-height: 320px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center 30%; }
.testimonial-quote {
  margin: 0; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px);
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center;
}
.testimonial-quote p { font-size: clamp(17px, 1.6vw, 21px); font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.testimonial-quote figcaption { font-style: italic; font-size: 14px; opacity: .85; }
@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .testimonial, .testimonial--reverse { grid-template-columns: 1fr; max-width: none; }
  .testimonial--reverse .testimonial-quote { order: 2; }
  .testimonial--reverse .testimonial-photo { order: 1; }
  .testimonial-photo img { aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; min-height: 0; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FOOTER
   ========================================================================== */
.footer-links { background: var(--navy-dark); padding-block: 26px; }
.footer-links ul { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 8px 48px; }
.footer-links a { color: #fff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; }
.footer-links a:hover { color: var(--yellow); }

.footer-main { background: radial-gradient(70% 140% at 50% 50%, #2c3f8f 0%, #1e2b64 55%, #161f4b 100%); color: #fff; padding-block: clamp(40px, 6vw, 72px); }
.footer-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.3fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px); }
.brand--footer .brand-mark { width: 54px; height: 54px; font-size: 17px; }
.brand--footer .brand-text { font-size: 12px; }
.footer-tagline { margin-top: 20px; font-size: 14px; max-width: 260px; opacity: .9; }
.footer-tagline em { font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; }
.footer-col h3 { font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; padding-bottom: 12px; margin-bottom: 18px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2); }
.footer-col p { font-size: 14px; }
.footer-col a:hover { color: var(--yellow); }
.with-icon { display: flex; gap: 10px; align-items: flex-start; }
.with-icon .icon { width: 20px; height: 20px; flex: none; color: var(--yellow); margin-top: 3px; }
.social { display: flex; gap: 10px; }
.social a { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 34px; height: 34px; background: var(--yellow); color: var(--navy-dark); }
.social a:hover { background: #fff; }
.social svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
.badge-placeholder {
  margin-top: 20px; width: 150px; height: 56px; display: grid; place-items: center;
  border: 1px dashed rgba(255,255,255,.5); font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .06em; opacity: .8;
}
.footer-bottom { background: var(--navy-dark); color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); font-size: 13px; padding-block: 16px; }
.footer-bottom p { margin: 0; }
.footer-bottom a { color: var(--yellow); }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .footer-links ul { gap: 8px 24px; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   CONTACT DIALOG
   ========================================================================== */
.contact-dialog {
  width: min(960px, calc(100% - 32px)); max-height: calc(100dvh - 32px);
  padding: 0; border: 0; border-radius: 4px; overflow: auto;
  background: var(--navy); color: #fff; box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0,0,0,.45);
}
.contact-dialog::backdrop { background: rgba(0, 20, 45, .72); backdrop-filter: blur(2px); }
.dialog-close {
  position: absolute; right: 12px; top: 8px; width: 40px; height: 40px;
  background: none; border: 0; color: #fff; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1;
}
.dialog-close:hover { color: var(--yellow); }
.dialog-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr; }
.dialog-form { padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 48px); }
.dialog-form h2 { font-size: clamp(22px, 2.6vw, 30px); font-weight: 500; margin-bottom: 24px; }
.contact-form { display: grid; gap: 12px; }
.contact-form input:not([type="checkbox"]), .contact-form select, .contact-form textarea {
  width: 100%; padding: 14px 16px; font: inherit; font-size: 15px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25); border-radius: var(--radius);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,.08); color: #fff;
}
.contact-form ::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); }
.contact-form select { appearance: none; color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); }
.contact-form select:valid { color: #fff; }
.contact-form select option { color: var(--ink); }
.contact-form input:focus, .contact-form select:focus, .contact-form textarea:focus {
  outline: 2px solid var(--yellow); outline-offset: 1px;
}
.contact-form input:user-invalid, .contact-form select:user-invalid { border-color: #ff8a8a; }
.contact-form .btn { justify-self: start; margin-top: 6px; }
/* Interest-list and employer forms sit on a LIGHT section — override the dark-dialog input styling. */
.interest-form input:not([type="checkbox"]), .interest-form select, .interest-form textarea,
.employer-form input:not([type="checkbox"]), .employer-form select, .employer-form textarea {
  border-color: var(--line); background: #fff; color: var(--ink);
}
.interest-form ::placeholder, .employer-form ::placeholder { color: var(--muted); }
.interest-form select, .employer-form select { color: var(--muted); }
.interest-form select:valid, .employer-form select:valid { color: var(--ink); }
.consent-row { display: flex; gap: 10px; align-items: flex-start; font-size: 14px; color: var(--ink-light); }
.consent-row input { width: auto; margin-top: 3px; flex: none; }
.interest-form .form-status.is-error, .employer-form .form-status.is-error { color: #c0392b; }
.interest-form .form-status.is-success, .employer-form .form-status.is-success { color: var(--yellow-dark); }
.form-status { min-height: 1.5em; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0 0; }
.form-status.is-error { color: #ffb4b4; }
.form-status.is-success { color: var(--yellow); }
/* Honeypot: hidden from people, tempting to bots. Not display:none (some bots skip those). */
.hp-field { position: absolute !important; left: -9999px !important; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; }

/* ---------- "See if you qualify" wizard (qualify.html) ----------
   One question per screen, big tap targets, a progress bar. The JS in main.js
   (feature-detected by .qualify-form) drives step navigation and the result. */
.qualify-wrap { max-width: 620px; margin-inline: auto; }
.qualify-progress { margin-bottom: 26px; }
.qualify-progress-track { height: 8px; background: var(--line); border-radius: 999px; overflow: hidden; }
.qualify-progress-fill { height: 100%; width: 0; background: var(--yellow); border-radius: 999px; transition: width .3s ease; }
.qualify-progress-label { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .04em; margin: 10px 0 0; }
.qualify-step { display: none; border: 0; padding: 0; margin: 0; min-inline-size: 0; }
.qualify-step.is-active { display: block; animation: qfade .25s ease; }
@keyframes qfade { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(6px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: none; } }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .qualify-step.is-active { animation: none; } }
.qualify-step legend, .qualify-q { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700;
  font-size: clamp(22px, 3vw, 28px); line-height: 1.25; color: var(--navy); margin: 0 0 6px; padding: 0; border: 0; }
.qualify-help { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0 0 20px; }
.qualify-options { display: grid; gap: 12px; border: 0; padding: 0; margin: 0; }
.qualify-option { position: relative; }
.qualify-option input { position: absolute; opacity: 0; width: 1px; height: 1px; }
.qualify-option label {
  display: block; padding: 16px 20px; border: 2px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius);
  background: #fff; color: var(--ink); font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; cursor: pointer;
  transition: border-color .15s ease, background .15s ease;
}
.qualify-option label:hover { border-color: var(--navy); }
.qualify-option input:checked + label { border-color: var(--navy); background: rgba(30,43,100,.05); font-weight: 700; }
.qualify-option input:focus-visible + label { outline: 2px solid var(--yellow); outline-offset: 2px; }
.qualify-fields { display: grid; gap: 12px; }
.qualify-fields input:not([type="checkbox"]), .qualify-fields select {
  width: 100%; padding: 14px 16px; font: inherit; font-size: 15px;
  border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); background: #fff; color: var(--ink);
}
.qualify-fields select { appearance: none; color: var(--muted); }
.qualify-fields select:valid { color: var(--ink); }
.qualify-fields input:focus, .qualify-fields select:focus { outline: 2px solid var(--yellow); outline-offset: 1px; }
.qualify-nav { display: flex; gap: 12px; align-items: center; margin-top: 22px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.qualify-back { background: none; border: 0; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; cursor: pointer; padding: 8px 4px; }
.qualify-back:hover { color: var(--yellow-dark); }
.qualify-back[hidden] { display: none; }
.qualify-result { display: none; }
.qualify-result.is-active { display: block; }
.qualify-result:focus { outline: none; }
.qualify-result .result-field-note { margin-top: 30px; }
.qualify-result .result-icon { width: 56px; height: 56px; color: var(--yellow); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.qualify-result h2 { font-size: clamp(24px, 3.4vw, 32px); color: var(--navy); margin: 0 0 14px; }
.qualify-result p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.qualify-result .btn { margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 10px; }
.qualify-disclaimer { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 22px; }

/* Qualify results (v1.5): groups, priority flags, steps, optional email block */
.result-subhead { font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--navy); margin: 22px 0 10px; }
.qualify-result .result-groups[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-priority[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-steps-wrap[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-employer[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-selective[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-workauth[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-otherpay[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-verdict[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-why[hidden],
.qualify-result .result-notma[hidden] { display: none; }
.qualify-result .result-why { background: var(--surface-alt); border-left: 3px solid var(--navy); padding: 10px 14px; font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink-light); border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; margin: 0 0 18px; }
.qualify-result .result-why strong { color: var(--navy); }
.result-group-list li { font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); }
/* Verdict badge (v1.5.1): confident-but-honest yes / maybe / no. */
.qualify-result .result-verdict {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: var(--radius); margin: 0 0 14px;
}
.qualify-result .result-verdict--yes   { color: #1B7A3D; background: #E6F4EC; }
.qualify-result .result-verdict--maybe { color: #8A5A00; background: #FDF3D9; }
.qualify-result .result-verdict--no    { color: #9A2A2A; background: #FBEAEA; }
.qualify-result .result-verdict--ma    { color: #44506A; background: #EDEFF2; }
.qualify-result .note { background: var(--surface-alt); border-left: 3px solid var(--yellow); padding: 12px 16px; font-size: 15px; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; }
.qualify-email { margin-top: 30px; padding-top: 24px; border-top: 1px solid #e3e3e3; }
.qualify-email .qualify-fields { margin-top: 12px; }

/* Express reimbursement calculator (staff-training-grants.html) */
.express-calc { background: var(--surface-alt); border: 1px solid #e3e3e3; border-radius: 14px; padding: clamp(20px, 3vw, 32px); }
.express-calc .calc-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 18px; }
.express-calc .calc-field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; }
.express-calc .calc-field label { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); }
.express-calc input[type="number"] { padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 8px; font: inherit; }
.express-calc .calc-size { border: 0; padding: 18px 0 0; margin: 0; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px 24px; }
.express-calc .calc-size legend { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); padding: 0; margin-bottom: 8px; }
.express-calc .calc-size label { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font-size: 15px; }
.express-calc .calc-output { margin-top: 20px; padding: 18px 20px; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-radius: 10px; }
.express-calc .calc-result-line { margin: 0; font-size: 18px; }
.express-calc .calc-total { color: var(--yellow); font-size: 26px; }
.express-calc .calc-detail { margin: 8px 0 0; font-size: 14px; color: #dfe7ef; }
.express-calc .calc-note { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); margin: 14px 0 0; }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .express-calc .calc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

.mt-lg { margin-top: 40px; }

.dialog-info { background: var(--navy-dark); padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 48px); font-size: 15px; }
.dialog-info h3 { font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--yellow); margin-bottom: 6px; }
.dialog-info p { margin-bottom: 22px; }
.dialog-info a:hover { color: var(--yellow); }
@media (max-width: 720px) { .dialog-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   PAGES — reusable pieces for the inner pages described in docs/PAGES.md
   ========================================================================== */

/* ---------- Page hero (every inner page opens with one) ---------- */
.page-hero {
  position: relative; padding: calc(var(--header-h) + 72px) 0 110px; color: #fff;
  background: var(--navy); overflow: hidden;
  clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 90%, 0 100%);
}
.page-hero-bg { position: absolute; inset: 0; }
.page-hero-bg img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.page-hero-bg::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(100deg, rgba(22,31,75,.93) 0%, rgba(30,43,100,.82) 50%, rgba(30,43,100,.6) 100%);
}
.page-hero .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.page-hero h1 {
  font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: clamp(36px, 6vw, 64px); font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.page-hero h1 .dot { color: var(--yellow); }
.page-hero-lede { max-width: 660px; font-size: clamp(16px, 1.3vw, 19px); line-height: 1.7; opacity: .93; margin-bottom: 30px; }
.eyebrow--light .eyebrow-line { background: var(--yellow); }
.btn-outline { background: transparent; color: #fff; border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.6); }
.btn-outline:hover { background: #fff; color: var(--navy); border-color: #fff; }
.nav-list > li > a[aria-current="page"] { color: var(--yellow); }

/* ---------- Section helpers ---------- */
.section--alt { background: var(--surface-alt); }
/* Two sections of the same color in a row get a column-width divider between them:
   accent blue between white sections, white between light sections */
.section:not(.section--alt, .programs) + .section:not(.section--alt, .programs)::before,
.section--alt + .section--alt:not(.programs)::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: calc(min(var(--container), 100%) - 2 * var(--gutter)); height: 2px;
  background: var(--accent-blue);
}
.section--alt + .section--alt:not(.programs)::before { background: #fff; }
/* Tighter space on both sides of the divider, so the line separates without a big empty band */
.section:not(.section--alt, .programs):has(+ .section:not(.section--alt, .programs)),
.section--alt:has(+ .section--alt:not(.programs)) { padding-bottom: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px); }
.section:not(.section--alt, .programs) + .section:not(.section--alt, .programs),
.section--alt + .section--alt:not(.programs) { padding-top: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px); }
.course-overview { overflow: hidden; }
.course-overview .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.section--tight { padding-block: clamp(48px, 6vw, 84px); }
.section-intro { max-width: 780px; }
.section-intro p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 17px; }

/* ---------- Two-column photo + copy ---------- */
.split-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.1fr; gap: clamp(32px, 5vw, 72px); align-items: start; }
/* For a split section whose copy column is tall (e.g. a long list), align the
   media to the top instead of centring it so it doesn't float in the gap. */
.split-grid--top { align-items: start; }
/* Keep two-column content flush at the top */
.split-grid > .check-list, .split-grid > .faq { margin-top: 0; }
.split-media img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; object-fit: cover; object-position: center; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
/* Anchor a cover image to the top of its frame (crop from the bottom). */
.split-media img.align-top { object-position: top; }
.split-copy p { color: var(--ink-light); }
.split-grid.reverse .split-media { order: 2; }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .split-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .split-grid.reverse .split-media { order: 0; }
}

/* ---------- Individual course cards ---------- */
.program-items { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(272px, 1fr)); gap: 24px; margin-top: 36px; }
.program-item {
  background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-top: 4px solid var(--yellow);
  padding: 28px 26px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px;
}
.program-item h4 { font-size: 19px; color: var(--navy); }
.program-item p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0; }
.program-meta { margin-top: auto; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); display: grid; gap: 4px; font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); }
.program-meta strong { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 700; }

/* ---------- Checkmark list ---------- */
.check-list { display: grid; gap: 15px; margin-top: 24px; }
.check-list li { position: relative; padding-left: 34px; color: var(--ink-light); line-height: 1.6; }
.check-list li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 4px; width: 20px; height: 20px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--yellow); }
.check-list li::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; left: 6px; top: 9px; width: 8px; height: 4px;
  border-left: 2px solid var(--navy-dark); border-bottom: 2px solid var(--navy-dark); transform: rotate(-45deg);
}
.check-list li strong { display: block; color: var(--ink); }

/* ---------- FAQ accordion (native details/summary) ---------- */
.faq { max-width: 880px; margin-top: 30px; display: grid; gap: 10px; }
.faq-group-title { font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; margin: 30px 0 4px; }
.faq-group-title:first-child { margin-top: 0; }
.faq-item { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); }
.faq-item summary { list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 18px 54px 18px 22px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); position: relative; }
.faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.faq-item summary:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--yellow); outline-offset: -2px; }
.faq-item summary::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; right: 22px; top: 50%; width: 10px; height: 10px;
  border-right: 2px solid var(--yellow-dark); border-bottom: 2px solid var(--yellow-dark);
  transform: translateY(-70%) rotate(45deg); transition: transform .2s var(--ease);
}
.faq-item[open] summary::after { transform: translateY(-30%) rotate(-135deg); }
.faq-body, .faq-item > div { padding: 0 54px 20px 22px; color: var(--ink-light); }
.faq-body p:last-child, .faq-item > div p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }

/* ---------- Data table (tuition, start dates) ---------- */
.table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin-top: 32px; }
.data-table { width: 100%; min-width: 660px; border-collapse: collapse; background: #fff; }
.data-table th, .data-table td { text-align: left; padding: 14px 18px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); font-size: 15px; }
.data-table thead th { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; }
.data-table tbody th { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); }
.data-table .group td { background: var(--surface-alt); color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; }
.data-table .tbd { color: var(--muted); font-style: italic; }

/* Comparison table (tuition ROI) */
.compare-table thead th { text-transform: none; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; }
.compare-table thead .compare-corner { background: #d9eff9; }
.compare-table thead .compare-us { background: var(--yellow); color: var(--navy); }
.compare-table .compare-us-cell { font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); }

/* Programs card grid (our-programs) */
.pcard-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: clamp(20px, 3vw, 32px); margin-top: 40px; }
.pcard { position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.05); scroll-margin-top: 110px; cursor: pointer; transition: box-shadow .2s ease, transform .2s ease; }
.pcard:hover { box-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(0,0,0,.12); transform: translateY(-3px); }
.pcard .btn-outline-navy::after { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 1; }
.pcard .pcard-media { aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; width: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; border: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 0; }
.pcard-body { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: clamp(20px, 2.4vw, 28px); }
.pcard-badge { display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--navy); background: var(--yellow); padding: 4px 10px; border-radius: 999px; }
.pcard-title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 22px; color: var(--navy); }
.pcard-rule { width: 64px; height: 3px; background: var(--accent-blue); border-radius: 2px; }
.pcard-body p { font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink-light); }
.btn-outline-navy { background: transparent; color: var(--navy); border-color: var(--line); }
.btn-outline-navy:hover { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-color: var(--navy); }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .pcard-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; max-width: 460px; margin-inline: auto; } }

/* Spec cards: Program Length / Certification / Issuing Authority */
.spec-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 20px; margin-top: 40px; }
.spec-card { background: var(--surface-alt); padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 44px) 24px; text-align: center; }
.spec-value { color: var(--accent-blue); font-size: clamp(19px, 2vw, 24px); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.25; }
.spec-label { color: var(--muted); font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .06em; margin-top: 14px; }
@media (max-width: 720px) { .spec-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Job-outlook two-column stat panel */
.outlook-panel { background: var(--surface-alt); padding: clamp(32px, 4vw, 56px); text-align: center; }
.outlook-value { color: var(--accent-blue); font-family: var(--font-body); font-size: clamp(48px, 6vw, 72px); font-weight: 500; line-height: 1; }
.outlook-caption { font-weight: 700; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .08em; color: var(--ink); margin-top: 14px; }
.outlook-body { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin-top: 20px; line-height: 1.7; }
.outlook-note { font-size: 12px; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 20px; line-height: 1.6; }

/* Soft skills: two-column with subtitle + logo */
.soft-subtitle { font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; color: var(--ink); }
.soft-icon { display: block; width: 100%; max-width: 300px; height: auto; margin: 40px auto 0; }
.soft-photo { max-width: 228px; border-radius: 10px; margin-top: 31px; }

/* Coming soon (placeholder program section) */
.coming-soon { text-align: center; }
.coming-soon .cs-badge { display: inline-block; font-weight: 700; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--accent-blue); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.coming-soon p { max-width: 640px; margin: 0 auto; }
.coming-soon .section-title { font-size: clamp(56px, 12vw, 108px); line-height: 1.05; }

/* ---------- Team cards ---------- */
.team-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(258px, 1fr)); gap: 28px; margin-top: 36px; }
.team-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); }
.team-photo { aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; background: var(--surface-alt); display: grid; place-items: center; color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .06em; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.team-photo img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.team-body { padding: 22px 22px 26px; }
.team-body h3 { font-size: 19px; color: var(--navy); }
.team-role { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--yellow-dark); font-weight: 700; margin: 6px 0 12px; }
.team-body p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0; }

/* ---------- Media cards ---------- */
.media-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(276px, 1fr)); gap: 28px; margin-top: 36px; }
.media-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.media-thumb { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; background: var(--surface-alt); display: grid; place-items: center; color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; }
.media-thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.media-body { padding: 22px; }
.media-date { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }
.media-body h3 { font-size: 19px; margin: 8px 0 10px; color: var(--navy); }
.media-body p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0; }

/* ---------- Blog (image-free: relies on type, borders and accents) ---------- */
.blog-filters { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; margin-top: 30px; }
.filter-pill {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; padding: 8px 18px; border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid var(--line); background: #fff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .03em; color: var(--ink-light); transition: color .2s var(--ease), border-color .2s var(--ease), background .2s var(--ease);
}
.filter-pill:hover { border-color: var(--navy); color: var(--navy); }
.filter-pill.is-active { background: var(--navy); border-color: var(--navy); color: #fff; }

/* Featured post: a full-width navy panel that leads the list */
.post-featured {
  display: block; margin-top: 38px; padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 52px);
  background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-left: 5px solid var(--yellow);
  transition: transform .25s var(--ease);
}
.post-featured:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); }
.post-featured .post-meta { color: rgba(255,255,255,.72); }
.post-featured h2 { font-size: clamp(26px, 3.4vw, 40px); line-height: 1.15; margin: 12px 0 14px; }
.post-featured p { color: rgba(255,255,255,.9); max-width: 720px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.post-featured .read-link { color: var(--yellow); }

/* Post grid + text-only cards */
.post-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(320px, 1fr)); gap: 26px; margin-top: 30px; }
.post-card {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-top: 4px solid var(--navy); padding: 28px 26px;
  transition: box-shadow .25s var(--ease), transform .25s var(--ease), border-top-color .25s var(--ease);
}
.post-card:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow); transform: translateY(-3px); border-top-color: var(--yellow); }
.post-tag { display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--navy); }
.post-featured .post-tag { color: var(--yellow); }
.post-meta { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .03em; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 6px; }
.post-meta .dot-sep::before, .article-meta .dot-sep::before { content: "·"; margin: 0 7px; }
.post-card h3 { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.25; margin: 12px 0 10px; color: var(--ink); }
.post-card p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0 0 20px; }
.read-link { margin-top: auto; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; }
.read-link::after { content: "→"; transition: transform .2s var(--ease); }
.post-card:hover .read-link::after, .post-featured:hover .read-link::after { transform: translateX(4px); }
.read-link:hover { color: var(--yellow-dark); }
.blog-more { text-align: center; margin-top: 46px; }

/* ---------- Stat tiles (only publish verified numbers) ---------- */
.stat-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(196px, 1fr)); gap: 20px; margin-top: 36px; }
.stat-tile { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; padding: 30px 24px; text-align: center; }
.stat-value { font-family: var(--font-display); font-size: 40px; font-weight: 800; color: var(--yellow); line-height: 1; }
.stat-label { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 10px; opacity: .9; }

/* ---------- Placeholder blocks ---------- */
.logo-strip { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(148px, 1fr)); gap: 18px; margin-top: 32px; }
.logo-slot { height: 80px; display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px dashed var(--line); background: #fff; color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .06em; }
.gallery-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(196px, 1fr)); gap: 16px; margin-top: 32px; }
.gallery-slot { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px dashed var(--line); background: var(--surface-alt); color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; }
.gallery-slot img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.img-placeholder { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px dashed var(--line); background: var(--surface-alt); color: var(--muted); font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .06em; text-align: center; padding: 18px; }
.map-placeholder { margin-top: 32px; height: clamp(240px, 38vw, 420px); display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px dashed var(--line); background: var(--surface-alt); color: var(--muted); font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .06em; text-align: center; padding: 20px; }

/* ---------- Contact page ---------- */
.contact-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.3fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px); align-items: start; }
.contact-panel { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 44px); }
.contact-panel h2 { font-size: clamp(22px, 2.4vw, 28px); font-weight: 500; margin-bottom: 22px; }
.contact-details { display: grid; gap: 26px; }
.contact-details h3 { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--yellow-dark); margin-bottom: 6px; }
.contact-details p { margin: 0; color: var(--ink-light); }
.contact-details a:hover { color: var(--yellow-dark); }
.contact-details .social a { color: var(--navy-dark); }
@media (max-width: 860px) { .contact-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- Pull quote ---------- */
.quote-block { margin: 36px 0 0; padding: 22px 0 22px 28px; border-left: 4px solid var(--yellow); }
.quote-block p { font-size: clamp(18px, 2vw, 24px); font-style: italic; color: var(--ink); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.quote-block cite { font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }

/* ---------- Legal / long-form prose ---------- */
.prose { max-width: 820px; }
.prose h2 { font-size: 36px; line-height: 1.15; color: #455ca8; margin: 60px 0 16px; }
.prose h3 { font-size: 24px; color: #455ca8; line-height: 1.2; margin: 60px 0 16px; }
.prose p, .prose li { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.35; }
.prose p { margin: 0 0 20px; }
.prose ul { list-style: disc; padding-left: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; display: grid; gap: 8px; }
.prose .updated { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }

/* ---------- Inline note / disclaimer ---------- */
.note { margin-top: 26px; padding: 32px 40px; margin-inline: -40px; background: var(--surface-alt); font-size: 14px; color: var(--ink-light); }
.note:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .note { padding-inline: var(--gutter); margin-inline: calc(-1 * var(--gutter)); } }
.prose .note ul, .prose .note ol { padding-left: 0; }
.prose .note ul { list-style-position: inside; }
.prose .note, .prose .post-cta { border-radius: 6px; }
.prose .post-cta h2 { font-size: 36px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.prose .note > strong:has(+ ol), .prose .note > strong:has(+ ul) { display: block; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 16px; }
.prose .post-cta { margin-inline: -40px; padding-inline: 40px; }
.prose .table-wrap { margin-inline: -40px; }
.prose .data-table caption { padding-left: 40px; }
.prose .data-table th:first-child, .prose .data-table td:first-child { padding-left: 40px; }
.prose .data-table th:last-child, .prose .data-table td:last-child { padding-right: 40px; }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .prose .post-cta { margin-inline: calc(-1 * var(--gutter)); padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
  .prose .table-wrap { margin-inline: calc(-1 * var(--gutter)); }
  .prose .data-table caption { padding-left: var(--gutter); }
  .prose .data-table th:first-child, .prose .data-table td:first-child { padding-left: var(--gutter); }
  .prose .data-table th:last-child, .prose .data-table td:last-child { padding-right: var(--gutter); }
}
.prose .note + p, .prose .table-wrap + p { margin-top: 32px; }
.prose .table-wrap + p { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; }
/* ---------- Blog article ---------- */
.article-title { font-size: clamp(30px, 4.4vw, 52px); line-height: 1.1; }
.article-meta { margin-top: 18px; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .03em; color: rgba(255,255,255,.78); }
.prose ol { padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: 20px; display: grid; gap: 8px; }
.prose ol li { color: var(--ink-light); }
.prose h2 + p, .prose h3 + p { margin-top: 0; }
.prose .lead { font-size: 18px; color: var(--ink); }
.post-cta { margin: 40px 0 8px; padding: 28px clamp(22px, 4vw, 36px); background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.post-cta h2 { color: #fff; margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: clamp(20px, 2.4vw, 26px); }
.post-cta p { color: rgba(255,255,255,.9); margin: 0 0 20px; }
.related-title { font-size: 22px; color: var(--navy); margin: 48px 0 6px; }
/* A "Related guides" block in its own section is a small footer, so it gets less space above it */
.container > .related-title:first-child { margin-top: 0; }
.section:has(> .container > .related-title:first-child) { padding-top: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px); }
.section:has(+ .section > .container > .related-title:first-child) { padding-bottom: clamp(48px, 6vw, 84px); }
.post-grid--related { grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(260px, 1fr)); }
.post-grid--related .post-card h3 { margin-top: 0; }

/* ---------- Career field guide: role cards (GUIDE_MODE_SPEC step 3) ---------- */
.role-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr)); gap: 24px; margin-top: 32px; }
.role-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; border-radius: 10px; padding: 24px; }
.role-name { font-family: "Poppins", sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-size: 20px; color: var(--navy); margin: 0 0 8px; }
.role-blurb { font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink-light); margin: 0; }
.role-facts { margin: 16px 0 0; }
.role-facts > div { padding: 12px 0; border-top: 1px solid #ededed; }
.role-facts > div:first-child { border-top: none; padding-top: 0; }
.role-facts dt { font-size: 11px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .08em; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 700; }
.role-facts dd { margin: 3px 0 0; font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink-light); line-height: 1.55; }
.role-src { font-size: 12px; color: var(--muted); }
.role-paynote { display: inline; font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); }
/* Space a button/paragraph that follows a checklist (e.g. "Check your funding options"). */
.check-list + p { margin-top: 28px; }
.check-list--num { list-style: decimal; padding-left: 22px; }
.check-list--num li { padding-left: 6px; }
.check-list--num li::before, .check-list--num li::after { content: none; display: none; }
.check-list--num li strong { display: inline; color: var(--ink); }

/* ---------- Training ladder (career-field guides) ---------- */
.ladder { display: grid; gap: 16px; margin-top: 36px; }
.ladder-step { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-blue); padding: 24px 26px; box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.04); }
.ladder-step.is-entry { border-left-color: var(--yellow); }
.ladder-rank { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 700; }
.ladder-step h3 { color: var(--navy); font-size: 20px; margin: 6px 0 8px; }
.ladder-step p { color: var(--ink-light); font-size: 15px; margin: 0 0 14px; line-height: 1.7; }
.ladder-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px 20px; font-size: 13px; color: var(--ink-light); border-top: 1px solid var(--line); padding-top: 14px; }
.ladder-meta strong { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 700; }

/* ---------- Legacy prose (terms, privacy keep the pre-redesign layout) ---------- */
.prose.prose-legacy h2 { font-size: 24px; line-height: inherit; color: var(--navy); margin: 36px 0 12px; }
.prose.prose-legacy h3 { font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; color: inherit; margin: 24px 0 8px; }
.prose.prose-legacy p, .prose.prose-legacy li { font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; }
.prose.prose-legacy p { margin: 0 0 1em; }
.prose.prose-legacy ul, .prose.prose-legacy ol { padding-left: 22px; margin-bottom: 1em; }
.prose.prose-legacy .note { margin: 26px 0 0; padding: 16px 18px; border-left: 3px solid var(--yellow); border-radius: 0; }
.prose.prose-legacy .note + p { margin-top: 0; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .prose.prose-legacy .note { margin-inline: 0; padding-inline: 18px; } }