diff --git a/404.html b/404.html
index 585f15ca..7f6575a1 100644
--- a/404.html
+++ b/404.html
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ <h3 class="error-message">Oops — the page you’re looking for can’t be foun
                     <i class="fas fa-home"></i> Go Home
                 </a>
                 <a href="frontend/pages/programs.html" class="btn-secondary">
-                    <i class="fas fa-compass"></i> Explore Programs
+                    <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true"></i> Explore Programs
                 </a>
             </div>
         </div>
diff --git a/css/style.css b/css/style.css
index bd09259a..01cb5314 100644
--- a/css/style.css
+++ b/css/style.css
@@ -224,3 +224,1783 @@ footer p {
     font-size: 16px;
   }
 }
+/* =========================
+   GLOBAL RESET
+========================= */
+* {
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+  box-sizing: border-box;
+}
+
+html,
+body {
+  max-width: 100%;
+  overflow-x: hidden;
+}
+
+@keyframes goldenLineReveal {
+  0% {
+    width: 0;
+    opacity: 0;
+  }
+  100% {
+    width: 90px;
+    opacity: 1;
+  }
+}
+
+
+/* =========================
+   THEME VARIABLES (CLASSIC)
+
+   */
+   
+:root {
+  --primary-gold: #d4af37;
+  --secondary-gold: #b8860b;
+  --deep-navy: #1b263b;
+  --warm-cream: #fdf4e3;
+  --light-parchment: #fff8e7;
+  --charcoal-dark: #2c2c2c;
+  --text-secondary: #5a5a5a;
+  --shadow-main: 0 8px 32px rgb(0 0 0 / 12%);
+  --shadow-hover: 0 20px 40px rgb(0 0 0 / 18%);
+  --bounce-curve: cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode {
+  /* Backgrounds */
+  --deep-navy: #0b1220;
+  --warm-cream: #141a2b;
+  --light-parchment: #1b2235;
+  --charcoal-dark: #070b14;
+
+  /* Golds (slightly softer glow) */
+  --primary-gold: #e4c76a;
+  --secondary-gold: #c9a43b;
+  --text-primary: #f5f4f0;
+  --text-secondary: #b9bfd1;
+
+ 
+  --shadow-main: 0 12px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);
+  --shadow-hover: 0 28px 70px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);
+
+  --border-subtle: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   BASE STYLES
+========================= */
+body {
+  font-family: "Crimson Text", "Georgia", serif;
+  font-size: 15px;
+  line-height: 1.7;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    135deg,
+    var(--light-parchment) 0%,
+    var(--warm-cream) 100%
+  );
+  color: var(--charcoal-dark);
+  padding-top: 90px;       
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   HEADER / NAVBAR
+========================= */
+
+header {
+  background: rgb(255 255 255 / 98%);
+  backdrop-filter: saturate(180%) blur(20px);
+  border-bottom: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  padding: 1rem 6%;
+  position: fixed;
+  top: 0;
+  left: 0;
+  width: 100%;              
+  z-index: 1000;
+  box-shadow: var(--shadow-main);
+}
+
+.navbar-container {
+  max-width: 1400px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  align-items: center;
+}
+
+header h1 {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 3vw, 1.9rem);
+  font-weight: 700;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg,
+      var(--deep-navy) 0%,
+      var(--primary-gold) 70%);
+  background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode header h1 {
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    135deg,
+    #ffffff 0%,
+    var(--primary-gold) 55%,
+    var(--secondary-gold) 100%
+  );
+  background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+}
+
+.nav-links {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 2rem;
+}
+
+.nav-links a {
+  text-decoration: none;
+  color: var(--deep-navy) !important;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+  padding: 0.4rem 0;
+  position: relative;
+  transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.3px;
+}
+
+.nav-links a::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  bottom: 0;
+  left: 50%;
+  width: 0;
+  height: 2px;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg,
+      var(--primary-gold),
+      var(--secondary-gold));
+  transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
+  transform: translateX(-50%);
+  border-radius: 1px;
+}
+
+.nav-links a:hover {
+  color: var(--primary-gold) !important;
+  transform: translateY(-1px);
+}
+
+.nav-links a:hover::before {
+  width: 70%;
+}
+
+.nav-links a.active {
+  color: var(--primary-gold) !important;
+  font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+.nav-links a.active::before {
+  width: 70%;
+  background: var(--primary-gold);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode header {
+  background: rgba(27, 38, 59, 0.98);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .nav-links a {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.95) !important;
+}
+.nav-links a:focus-visible,
+.nav-links a:hover {
+  color: var(--primary-gold) !important;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .nav-links a:hover {
+  color: var(--primary-gold) !important;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .nav-links a.active {
+  color: var(--primary-gold) !important;
+}
+
+main {
+  margin-top: 0;
+  padding-top: 0;
+}
+
+header h1 i {
+  font-size: 0.95em;
+  line-height: 1;
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   SECTIONS
+========================= */
+main section {
+  max-width: 1400px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+  padding: 5rem 6%;
+}
+
+section h3 {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 4.5vw, 2.9rem);
+  font-weight: 700;
+  text-align: center;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
+}
+
+section h3::after {
+  content: "";
+  display: block;
+  height: 3px;
+  margin: 1.2rem auto 0;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    90deg,
+    var(--primary-gold),
+    var(--secondary-gold)
+  );
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  animation: goldenLineReveal 0.9s ease-out forwards;
+}
+
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+  section h3::after {
+    animation: none;
+    width: 90px;
+  }
+}
+
+
+section p {
+  text-align: center;
+  max-width: 750px;
+  margin: 0 auto 3.5rem;
+  font-size: 1.05rem;
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   CARD GRID & BOUNCY HOVER
+========================= */
+
+.why-section {
+  position: relative;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    var(--light-parchment) 0%, 
+    var(--warm-cream) 50%,
+    var(--light-parchment) 100%);
+  overflow: hidden;
+  padding: 6rem 6% !important;
+}
+
+/* Decorative Background Elements */
+.why-section::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  top: -50%;
+  right: -20%;
+  width: 600px;
+  height: 600px;
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08) 0%, transparent 70%);
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.why-section::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  bottom: -40%;
+  left: -15%;
+  width: 500px;
+  height: 500px;
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(27, 38, 59, 0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.why-container {
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 1;
+  max-width: 1400px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+/* ========== SECTION HEADER ========== */
+.why-header {
+  text-align: center;
+  margin-bottom: 4.5rem;
+}
+
+.why-eyebrow {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.5rem;
+  padding: 0.6rem 1.5rem;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08) 100%);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
+  border-radius: 50px;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  font-size: 0.9rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  color: var(--secondary-gold);
+  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
+}
+
+.why-eyebrow i {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  animation: sparkle 2s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
+@keyframes sparkle {
+  0%, 100% { transform: scale(1) rotate(0deg); opacity: 1; }
+  50% { transform: scale(1.2) rotate(180deg); opacity: 0.8; }
+}
+
+.why-header h3 {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
+  font-weight: 800;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
+  line-height: 1.2;
+}
+
+.why-header h3::after {
+  content: "";
+  display: block;
+  width: 100px;
+  height: 4px;
+  margin: 1.5rem auto 0;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, 
+    transparent, 
+    var(--primary-gold), 
+    var(--secondary-gold),
+    transparent);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+}
+
+.why-header p {
+  font-size: 1.15rem;
+  line-height: 1.8;
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
+  max-width: 700px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+/* ========== FEATURE CARDS GRID ========== */
+.why-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr));
+  gap: 2.5rem;
+  margin-bottom: 5rem;
+}
+
+.why-card {
+  position: relative;
+  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
+  border-radius: 24px;
+  padding: 3rem 2.5rem;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08),
+    0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
+  transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
+  overflow: hidden;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.why-card::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 0;
+  left: 0;
+  width: 100%;
+  height: 4px;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, 
+    var(--primary-gold) 0%, 
+    var(--secondary-gold) 100%);
+  transform: scaleX(0);
+  transform-origin: left;
+  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
+}
+
+.why-card:hover::before {
+  transform: scaleX(1);
+}
+
+.why-card:hover {
+  transform: translateY(-12px) scale(1.02);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 20px 50px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25),
+    0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.5);
+}
+
+/* Card Icon */
+.why-card-icon {
+  position: relative;
+  width: 80px;
+  height: 80px;
+  margin: 0 auto 2rem;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.05) 100%);
+  border-radius: 20px;
+  border: 2px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
+  transition: all 0.4s ease;
+}
+
+.icon-glow {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: -10px;
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3) 0%, 
+    transparent 70%);
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
+  z-index: -1;
+}
+
+.why-card:hover .icon-glow {
+  opacity: 1;
+  animation: pulse-glow 2s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
+@keyframes pulse-glow {
+  0%, 100% { transform: scale(1); opacity: 0.6; }
+  50% { transform: scale(1.1); opacity: 0.8; }
+}
+
+.why-card-icon i {
+  font-size: 2.5rem;
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.6, 0.32, 1.6);
+}
+
+.why-card:hover .why-card-icon {
+  transform: rotateY(360deg);
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1) 100%);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6);
+}
+
+.why-card:hover .why-card-icon i {
+  color: var(--secondary-gold);
+  transform: scale(1.2);
+}
+
+/* Card Content */
+.why-card-content {
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+.why-card-content h4 {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: 1.65rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  margin-bottom: 1rem;
+  transition: color 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.why-card:hover .why-card-content h4 {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+}
+
+.why-card-content p {
+  font-size: 1.05rem;
+  line-height: 1.75;
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+/* Decorative Corner Element */
+.why-card-decoration {
+  position: absolute;
+  bottom: -2px;
+  right: -2px;
+  width: 60px;
+  height: 60px;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    transparent 50%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1) 50%);
+  border-radius: 24px 0 24px 0;
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
+}
+
+.why-card:hover .why-card-decoration {
+  opacity: 1;
+}
+
+/* ========== JOURNEY TIMELINE ========== */
+.why-journey {
+  position: relative;
+  padding: 3rem 0;
+  margin-top: 3rem;
+}
+
+.journey-line {
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 50%;
+  left: 10%;
+  right: 10%;
+  height: 3px;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 0%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6) 50%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 100%);
+  transform: translateY(-50%);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+}
+
+.journey-steps {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: space-around;
+  align-items: center;
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 1;
+}
+
+.journey-step {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 1rem;
+}
+
+.journey-icon {
+  width: 70px;
+  height: 70px;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    var(--primary-gold) 0%, 
+    var(--secondary-gold) 100%);
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 4px 20px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4),
+    0 0 0 8px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
+    0 0 0 10px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2);
+  transition: all 0.4s ease;
+}
+
+.journey-icon i {
+  font-size: 1.8rem;
+  color: white;
+}
+
+.journey-step span {
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  font-size: 1rem;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+}
+
+.journey-step:hover .journey-icon {
+  transform: scale(1.15) rotate(10deg);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 8px 30px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.5),
+    0 0 0 8px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9),
+    0 0 0 12px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
+}
+
+.card-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr));
+  gap: 2.5rem;
+  justify-items: center;
+}
+
+.card {
+  width: 100%;
+  max-width: 360px;
+  padding: 2.2rem;
+  border-radius: 20px;
+  background: rgb(255 255 255 / 95%);
+  box-shadow: var(--shadow-main);
+  text-align: center;
+  position: relative;
+  border: 1px solid transparent;
+  transition:
+    transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.6, 0.32, 1.6),
+    box-shadow 0.4s ease;
+  will-change: transform;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.card::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  border-radius: inherit;
+  border: 2px solid transparent;
+  transition: border-color 0.35s ease, box-shadow 0.35s ease;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.card:hover::before {
+  border-color: var(--primary-gold);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35);
+}
+
+.card:hover {
+  transform: translateY(-6px);
+  box-shadow: 0 30px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.card:hover i,
+.card:hover h4 i {
+  transform: scale(1.2) rotate(8deg);
+  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.6, 0.32, 1.6);
+  color: var(--secondary-gold);
+}
+
+.card i,
+.card img {
+  transition: transform 0.5s var(--bounce-curve);
+}
+
+.card:hover img {
+  transform: scale(1.15) rotate(3deg);
+}
+
+.card .badge {
+  transition: all 0.4s var(--bounce-curve);
+}
+
+.card:hover .badge {
+  transform: scale(1.1);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4);
+}
+
+.card h4 {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: 1.45rem;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  margin-bottom: 1.1rem;
+}
+
+.card p {
+  font-size: 0.98rem;
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
+  line-height: 1.65;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card:hover::before {
+  border-color: var(--primary-gold);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 22px rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.45);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card {
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    145deg,
+    rgba(20, 26, 43, 0.95),
+    rgba(27, 34, 53, 0.95)
+  );
+  border: 1px solid rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.18);
+  box-shadow: 0 18px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75);
+  color: var(--text-primary);
+  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card:hover {
+  transform: translateY(-6px);
+  box-shadow:
+    0 35px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9),
+    0 0 0 1px rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.35);
+  border-color: rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.55);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card h4 {
+  color: var(--text-primary);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card p {
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card i {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 6px 18px rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.35));
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card:hover i {
+  color: var(--secondary-gold);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card .badge {
+  background: rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.15);
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.35);
+  box-shadow: none;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card:hover .badge {
+  box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.35);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .card::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 1px;
+  border-radius: inherit;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    180deg,
+    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06),
+    transparent 35%,
+    transparent 65%,
+    rgba(228, 199, 106, 0.08)
+  );
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+/* ========== DARK MODE STYLES FOR WHY SECTION ========== */
+body.dark-mode .why-section {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    #0f0f0f 0%, 
+    #1a1a1a 50%,
+    #0f0f0f 100%);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-section::before {
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12) 0%, transparent 70%);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-section::after {
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-header h3 {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.98);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-header p {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.75);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-eyebrow {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1) 100%);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4);
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card {
+  background: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.95);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4),
+    0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card:hover {
+  background: rgba(30, 30, 30, 0.98);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 20px 50px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3),
+    0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card-content h4 {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.95);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card:hover .why-card-content h4 {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card-content p {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.75);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card-icon {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08) 100%);
+  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .why-card:hover .why-card-icon {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25) 0%, 
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15) 100%);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .journey-icon {
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 4px 20px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.5),
+    0 0 0 8px rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.95),
+    0 0 0 10px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .journey-step span {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.9);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .journey-line {
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3) 0%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.7) 50%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3) 100%);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   SCROLL TO TOP BUTTON
+========================= */
+#scrollTopBtn {
+  position: fixed;
+  bottom: 20px;
+  right: 13px;
+  width: 65px;
+  height: 65px;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--primary-gold) 60%, var(--secondary-gold) 100%);
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  box-shadow: 0 4px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);
+  display: none;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  z-index: 10000;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  transition: box-shadow 0.2s, transform 0.2s;
+  border: none;
+  padding: 10px 12px;
+}
+
+/* When chatbot is present, keep scroll button below it */
+body.has-chatbot #scrollTopBtn {
+  bottom: 20px;
+  z-index: 9999;
+}
+
+#scrollTopBtn:hover {
+  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.35);
+  transform: translateY(-4px) scale(1.05);
+}
+
+#scrollTopBtn i, 
+#scrollTopBtn .arrow {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  width: 34px;
+  height: 34px;
+  font-size: 1.25rem;
+  color: #222;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   SCROLL PROGRESS INDICATOR
+========================= */
+#scrollProgress {
+  position: fixed;
+  top: 0;
+  left: 0;
+  height: 3px;
+  width: 0%;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    90deg,
+    var(--primary-gold),
+    var(--secondary-gold)
+  );
+  z-index: 2000;
+  transition: width 0.15s ease-out;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   CURSOR HIGHLIGHT (FEATURE #495)*/
+/* CURSOR HIGHLIGHT (FEATURE #495) */
+#cursor-highlight {
+  position: fixed;
+  top: 0;
+  left: 0;
+  width: 36px;
+  height: 36px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  z-index: 99999;
+  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
+  background: radial-gradient(
+    circle,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.45) 0%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25) 35%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08) 60%,
+    transparent 70%
+  );
+  box-shadow:
+    0 0 18px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35),
+    0 0 32px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18);
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition:
+    opacity 0.25s ease,
+    transform 0.08s linear;
+}
+
+/* Show cursor highlight when active */
+body.cursor-highlight-enabled #cursor-highlight {
+  opacity: 1;
+}
+
+/* Dark mode tuning */
+body.dark-mode #cursor-highlight {
+  background: radial-gradient(
+    circle,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35) 0%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18) 40%,
+    rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.06) 65%,
+    transparent 75%
+  );
+  box-shadow:
+    0 0 20px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4),
+    0 0 36px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   UPCOMING BADGE DESIGN
+========================= */
+
+.badge {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.5rem;
+  padding: 0.65rem 1.5rem;
+  border-radius: 50px;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  font-size: 0.9rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  position: relative;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.175, 0.885, 0.32, 1.275);
+  cursor: pointer;
+  border: none;
+  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.3);
+}
+
+/* Animated Pulsing Dot */
+.badge::before {
+  content: "";
+  width: 8px;
+  height: 8px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background-color: #ffffff;
+  display: inline-block;
+  margin-right: 0.3rem;
+  animation: pulse 2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.6, 1) infinite;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
+}
+
+@keyframes pulse {
+  0%, 100% {
+    transform: scale(1);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
+  }
+  50% {
+    transform: scale(1.1);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);
+  }
+}
+
+/* Shimmer Effect */
+.badge::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 0;
+  left: -100%;
+  width: 100%;
+  height: 100%;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    90deg,
+    transparent,
+    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4),
+    transparent
+  );
+  transition: left 0.6s ease;
+}
+
+.badge:hover::after {
+  left: 100%;
+}
+
+/* Default Dark Mode Look */
+body.dark-mode .badge,
+.badge {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2ecc71 0%, #27ae60 100%);
+  color: #ffffff;
+  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
+}
+
+/* Hover State - Dark Mode */
+body.dark-mode .badge:hover,
+.badge:hover {
+  transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.08);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 8px 25px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.5),
+    0 0 40px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.3),
+    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2ecc71 0%, #1fa855 100%);
+}
+
+/* Active/Click State */
+body.dark-mode .badge:active,
+.badge:active {
+  transform: translateY(-1px) scale(1.03);
+  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   ALTERNATIVE GLASS STYLE (Optional)
+========================= */
+
+.badge.glass-style {
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    135deg,
+    rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.25) 0%,
+    rgba(39, 174, 96, 0.3) 100%
+  );
+  backdrop-filter: blur(12px) saturate(180%);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.5);
+  color: #2ecc71;
+  text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.5);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 4px 20px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.2),
+    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.3);
+}
+
+.badge.glass-style::before {
+  background-color: #2ecc71;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.8);
+}
+
+.badge.glass-style:hover {
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    135deg,
+    rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.35) 0%,
+    rgba(39, 174, 96, 0.4) 100%
+  );
+  border-color: rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.8);
+  color: #3be682;
+  transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.08);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 8px 30px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4),
+    0 0 50px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.3),
+    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   NEON GLOW STYLE (Optional)
+========================= */
+
+.badge.neon-style {
+  background: transparent;
+  border: 2px solid #2ecc71;
+  color: #2ecc71;
+  text-shadow: 
+    0 0 5px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.5),
+    0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.3);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4),
+    inset 0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.1);
+}
+
+.badge.neon-style::before {
+  background-color: #2ecc71;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(46, 204, 113, 1);
+}
+
+.badge.neon-style:hover {
+  background: rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.1);
+  border-color: #3be682;
+  color: #3be682;
+  text-shadow: 
+    0 0 10px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.8),
+    0 0 20px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.5);
+  box-shadow: 
+    0 0 20px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.6),
+    0 0 40px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.4),
+    inset 0 0 15px rgba(46, 204, 113, 0.2);
+  transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.08);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   RESPONSIVE DESIGN
+========================= */
+@media (max-width: 980px) {
+  .footer-top {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .footer-columns {
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(160px, 1fr));
+  }
+
+  .why-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));
+    gap: 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .journey-steps {
+    gap: 1rem;
+  }
+
+  .journey-icon {
+    width: 60px;
+    height: 60px;
+  }
+
+  .journey-icon i {
+    font-size: 1.5rem;
+  }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+  .navbar-container {
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 1rem;
+    text-align: center;
+  }
+
+  .nav-links {
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    justify-content: center;
+    gap: 0.8rem;
+  }
+
+  main section {
+    padding: 3rem 5%;
+  }
+
+  section h3 {
+    font-size: 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-section {
+    padding: 4rem 5% !important;
+  }
+
+  .why-header {
+    margin-bottom: 3rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-header h3 {
+    font-size: 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-card {
+    padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-journey {
+    padding: 2rem 0;
+  }
+
+  .journey-line {
+    left: 5%;
+    right: 5%;
+  }
+
+  .badge {
+    padding: 0.55rem 1.2rem;
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+  }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 520px) {
+  .footer-columns {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 480px) {
+  body {
+    font-size: 14px;
+  }
+
+  .nav-links a {
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+  }
+
+  .card {
+    padding: 1.6rem 1.3rem;
+    transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.55, 0.265, 1.55),
+      box-shadow 0.3s ease;
+    will-change: transform;
+  }
+
+  .card h4 {
+    font-size: 1.25rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+    gap: 1.5rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-card {
+    padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-card-icon {
+    width: 70px;
+    height: 70px;
+  }
+
+  .why-card-icon i {
+    font-size: 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .why-card-content h4 {
+    font-size: 1.4rem;
+  }
+
+  .journey-steps {
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 2rem;
+  }
+
+  .journey-line {
+    left: 50%;
+    right: auto;
+    top: 0;
+    bottom: 0;
+    width: 3px;
+    height: 90%;
+    transform: translateX(-50%);
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 0%,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6) 50%,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2) 100%);
+  }
+
+  .journey-icon {
+    width: 50px;
+    height: 50px;
+  }
+
+  .journey-icon i {
+    font-size: 1.3rem;
+  }
+
+  .journey-step span {
+    font-size: 0.9rem;
+  }
+
+  .badge {
+    padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+  }
+
+  .badge::before {
+    width: 6px;
+    height: 6px;
+  }
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   OPENSOURCE GUIDE CHATBOT
+/* =========================*/
+#opensource-chatbot {
+  position: fixed;
+  bottom: 90px; /* stays above scroll button */
+  right: 24px;
+  z-index: 99999;
+}
+
+.chat-widget-btn {
+  width: 58px;
+  height: 58px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    135deg,
+    var(--primary-gold),
+    var(--secondary-gold)
+  );
+  color: #0b1220;
+  border: none;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  font-size: 24px;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+
+  box-shadow:
+    0 14px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45),
+    0 0 0 1px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35);
+
+  transition:
+    transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1),
+    box-shadow 0.35s ease;
+}
+
+.chat-widget-btn:hover {
+  transform: translateY(-6px) scale(1.08);
+  box-shadow:
+    0 22px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6),
+    0 0 0 2px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.55);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .chat-widget-btn {
+
+  color: #0b1220;
+}
+
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+  footer.site-footer::after,
+  .footer-mark,
+  .why-card,
+  .why-card-icon,
+  .why-card-icon i,
+  .journey-icon,
+  .icon-glow,
+  #cursor-highlight {
+    animation: none !important;
+    transition: none !important;
+  }
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   QUIZ SECTION SCROLLBAR
+#level-chain-wrapper::-webkit-scrollbar {
+  display: none;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   PRINT STYLES
+@media print {
+  .why-section::before,
+  .why-section::after,
+  .icon-glow,
+  .why-card-decoration {
+    display: none;
+  }
+}
+
+
+
+/* =========================
+   FOOTER (GLOBAL)
+========================= */
+footer.site-footer {
+  position: relative;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  background:
+    radial-gradient(900px circle at 10% 10%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.22) 0%, transparent 55%),
+    radial-gradient(800px circle at 90% 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 0%, transparent 55%),
+    linear-gradient(135deg, #0f1724 0%, #121c2c 45%, #0b1220 100%);
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.9);
+  padding: 4.2rem 6% 3.2rem;
+  border-top: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18);
+}
+
+footer.site-footer::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: -2px;
+  background:
+    repeating-linear-gradient(90deg,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.14) 0,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.14) 1px,
+      transparent 1px,
+      transparent 28px),
+    repeating-linear-gradient(0deg,
+      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 0,
+      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 1px,
+      transparent 1px,
+      transparent 28px);
+  mask-image: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 10%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9) 0%, transparent 72%);
+  opacity: 0.5;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+footer.site-footer::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  width: 1200px;
+  height: 1200px;
+  left: 50%;
+  bottom: -780px;
+  transform: translateX(-50%);
+  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.16) 0%, transparent 58%);
+  filter: blur(2px);
+  opacity: 0.9;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  animation: footerGlow 9s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
+footer.site-footer ul {
+  list-style: none;
+  margin-left: 5px;
+}
+
+@keyframes footerGlow {
+  0%,
+  100% {
+    transform: translateX(-50%) scale(1);
+    opacity: 0.85;
+  }
+
+  50% {
+    transform: translateX(-50%) scale(1.05);
+    opacity: 1;
+  }
+}
+
+.footer-shell {
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 1;
+  max-width: 1200px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+.footer-top {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 1.4fr;
+  gap: 2.5rem;
+  align-items: start;
+}
+
+.footer-brand {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 1rem;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+}
+
+.footer-mark {
+  width: 46px;
+  height: 46px;
+  border-radius: 14px;
+  display: grid;
+  place-items: center;
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.95), rgba(184, 134, 11, 0.9));
+  color: #0b1220;
+  box-shadow: 0 14px 32px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.22);
+  transform: translateY(0);
+  animation: footerFloat 6s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
+@keyframes footerFloat {
+  0%,
+  100% {
+    transform: translateY(0);
+  }
+
+  50% {
+    transform: translateY(-8px);
+  }
+}
+
+.footer-title {
+  font-family: "Playfair Display", serif;
+  font-size: 1.55rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.98);
+}
+
+.footer-tagline {
+  margin-top: 0.35rem;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-size: 0.98rem;
+  line-height: 1.6;
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.78);
+  max-width: 46ch;
+}
+
+.footer-columns {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(160px, 1fr));
+  gap: 1.8rem;
+}
+
+.footer-col-title {
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  font-size: 0.92rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  margin-bottom: 0.9rem;
+  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.95);
+}
+
+.footer-col a {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  width: fit-content;
+  margin: 0.35rem 0;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-size: 0.98rem;
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.88);
+  text-decoration: none;
+  position: relative;
+  transition: transform 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
+}
+
+.footer-col a::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  left: 0;
+  bottom: -6px;
+  width: 100%;
+  height: 2px;
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.0), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.9), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.0));
+  transform: scaleX(0);
+  transform-origin: center;
+  transition: transform 0.22s ease;
+  opacity: 0.9;
+}
+
+.footer-col a:hover {
+  transform: translateX(2px);
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.98);
+}
+
+.footer-col a:hover::after {
+  transform: scaleX(1);
+}
+
+.footer-divider {
+  height: 1px;
+  margin: 2.25rem 0 1.6rem;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg,
+      transparent,
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.32),
+      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08),
+      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.32),
+      transparent);
+}
+
+.footer-bottom {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 1.25rem;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  align-items: center;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+}
+
+.footer-badges {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 0.6rem;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+}
+
+.footer-pill {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.45rem;
+  padding: 0.55rem 0.8rem;
+  border-radius: 999px;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  font-size: 0.9rem;
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.92);
+  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.16);
+  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
+}
+
+.footer-meta {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.7rem;
+  font-family: "Inter", -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.78);
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+}
+
+.footer-inline {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.45rem;
+  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.98);
+  text-decoration: none;
+  font-weight: 700;
+}
+
+.footer-inline:hover {
+  text-decoration: underline;
+}
+
+.footer-sep {
+  opacity: 0.6;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode footer.site-footer {
+  background:
+    radial-gradient(900px circle at 10% 10%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.16) 0%, transparent 55%),
+    radial-gradient(800px circle at 90% 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05) 0%, transparent 55%),
+    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(13, 17, 23, 0.96) 0%, rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.96) 100%);
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   RESOURCE LINKS
+========================= */
+.resource-link-wrapper {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 10px;
+  margin-top: 0.8rem;
+}
+
+.resource-link {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  font-weight: 600;
+  text-decoration: none;
+}
+
+.resource-link:hover {
+  text-decoration: underline;
+}
+
+.copy-btn {
+  border: none;
+  background: transparent;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  color: var(--deep-navy);
+  font-size: 1rem;
+}
+
+.copy-btn:hover {
+  color: var(--primary-gold);
+  transform: scale(1.1);
+}
+
+.copy-feedback {
+  font-size: 0.8rem;
+  color: green;
+  display: none;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   DARK MODE FIXES
+========================= */
+body.dark-mode .navbar,
+body.dark-mode header {
+  background-color: rgba(27, 38, 59, 0.98);
+  border-bottom: 1px solid #333;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .nav-link,
+body.dark-mode .navbar a {
+  color: rgba(253, 244, 227, 0.95);
+}
+
+body.dark-mode input,
+body.dark-mode textarea {
+  background-color: #333;
+  color: #fff;
+  border-color: #555;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .program-card h3,
+body.dark-mode .program-card h4,
+body.dark-mode .program-card h2,
+body.dark-mode .program-card i {
+  color: #ffffff !important;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .program-card p {
+  color: #e0e0e0;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .newsletter,
+body.dark-mode .newsletter-section {
+  background-color: #1a1a1a !important;
+  color: #ffffff !important;
+  border-top: 1px solid #333;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .newsletter h2,
+body.dark-mode .newsletter h3,
+body.dark-mode .newsletter p,
+body.dark-mode .newsletter-section h2 {
+  color: #ffffff !important;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .newsletter input,
+body.dark-mode .newsletter-section input {
+  background-color: #333 !important;
+  color: #ffffff !important;
+  border: 1px solid #555 !important;
+}
+
+/* =========================
+   ACCESSIBILITY: Focus Styles
+========================= */
+
+/* Global keyboard focus visibility */
+a:focus-visible,
+button:focus-visible,
+input:focus-visible,
+textarea:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  outline-offset: 3px;
+  border-radius: 6px;
+}
+/* Navbar Links */
+.nav-links a:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  outline-offset: 4px;
+  border-radius: 4px;
+}
+
+/* Footer Links */
+.footer-col a:focus-visible,
+.footer-inline:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  outline-offset: 4px;
+  border-radius: 4px;
+}
+
+/* Chat Button */
+.chat-widget-btn:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  outline-offset: 4px;
+}
+
+
+/* Theme Toggle Enhancement */
+#themeToggle:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--primary-gold);
+  outline-offset: 4px;
+  border-radius: 6px;
+}
+
+/* Scroll To Top Button */
+#scrollTopBtn:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid var(--deep-navy);
+  outline-offset: 5px;
+}
+
+:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
+  outline: none;
+}
+
diff --git a/frontend/css/accessibility.css b/frontend/css/accessibility.css
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d60d20f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/css/accessibility.css
@@ -0,0 +1,229 @@
+/* =========================
+   ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS
+   WCAG 2.1 AA FRIENDLY
+   ========================= */
+
+/* ---------- Color & Contrast ---------- */
+
+.text-primary {
+  color: #1a1a1a;
+}
+
+.text-secondary {
+  color: #4a4a4a;
+}
+
+a {
+  color: #0066cc;
+}
+
+a:visited {
+  color: #551a8b;
+}
+
+a:hover,
+a:focus-visible {
+  color: #0052a3;
+  text-decoration: underline;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Buttons ---------- */
+
+button {
+  background-color: #f0f0f0;
+  color: #000;
+  border: 1px solid #000;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+button:hover {
+  background-color: #e0e0e0;
+}
+
+/* Primary buttons */
+.hero-btn,
+.submit-btn,
+.btn-primary {
+  background-color: #0066cc;
+  color: #ffffff;
+  border: 2px solid #0066cc;
+}
+
+.hero-btn:hover,
+.submit-btn:hover,
+.btn-primary:hover {
+  background-color: #0052a3;
+  border-color: #0052a3;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Forms ---------- */
+
+input,
+textarea,
+select {
+  background-color: #ffffff;
+  color: #000000;
+  border: 2px solid #666666;
+}
+
+input:focus-visible,
+textarea:focus-visible,
+select:focus-visible {
+  border-color: #0066cc;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Focus Indicators (Keyboard Users) ---------- */
+
+a:focus-visible,
+button:focus-visible,
+input:focus-visible,
+textarea:focus-visible,
+select:focus-visible {
+  outline: 3px solid #0066cc;
+  outline-offset: 2px;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(0, 102, 204, 0.25);
+}
+
+/* Navigation focus */
+.nav-list a:focus-visible,
+.nav-links a:focus-visible {
+  background-color: rgba(0, 102, 204, 0.1);
+  border-radius: 4px;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Skip to Main Content ---------- */
+
+.skip-to-main {
+  position: absolute;
+  top: -40px;
+  left: 0;
+  background: var(--primary-gold);
+  color: #000;
+  padding: 8px 16px;
+  z-index: 10000;
+}
+
+.skip-to-main:focus {
+  top: 0;
+}
+
+
+/* ---------- Screen Reader Utilities ---------- */
+
+.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;
+}
+
+.sr-only-focusable:focus-visible {
+  position: static;
+  width: auto;
+  height: auto;
+  margin: 0;
+  clip: auto;
+  overflow: visible;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Tables ---------- */
+
+table {
+  border-collapse: collapse;
+}
+
+th,
+td {
+  padding: 8px 12px;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
+}
+
+th {
+  text-align: left;
+  background-color: rgba(0, 102, 204, 0.1);
+  font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Validation Feedback ---------- */
+
+input:invalid:focus-visible,
+textarea:invalid:focus-visible,
+select:invalid:focus-visible {
+  outline-color: #dc3545;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(220, 53, 69, 0.3);
+}
+
+input:valid:focus-visible,
+textarea:valid:focus-visible,
+select:valid:focus-visible {
+  outline-color: #28a745;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(40, 167, 69, 0.3);
+}
+
+/* ---------- Reduced Motion ---------- */
+
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+  *,
+  *::before,
+  *::after {
+    animation: none !important;
+    transition: none !important;
+    scroll-behavior: auto !important;
+  }
+}
+
+/* ---------- Dark Mode ---------- */
+
+body.dark-mode {
+  background-color: #000000;
+  color: #ffffff;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .text-primary {
+  color: #ffffff;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode .text-secondary {
+  color: #cccccc;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode a {
+  color: #66b3ff;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode a:visited {
+  color: #cc99ff;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode button {
+  background-color: #333333;
+  color: #ffffff;
+  border-color: #666666;
+}
+
+body.dark-mode button:hover {
+  background-color: #444444;
+}
+
+/* ---------- High Contrast Preference ---------- */
+
+@media (prefers-contrast: high) {
+  a:focus-visible,
+  button:focus-visible {
+    outline: 3px solid #000;
+    background-color: #ffffff;
+    color: #000000;
+  }
+
+  body.dark-mode a:focus-visible,
+  body.dark-mode button:focus-visible {
+    outline: 3px solid #ffffff;
+    background-color: #000000;
+    color: #ffffff;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/frontend/js/components.js b/frontend/js/components.js
index 7a73bfee..dcecdd4b 100644
--- a/frontend/js/components.js
+++ b/frontend/js/components.js
@@ -21,37 +21,41 @@ function getPath(path) {
 }
 
 const navbarHTML = `
-<header>
-    <div class="navbar-container">
-        <h1>
-           <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true" style="color: var(--primary-gold); margin-right: 0.4rem;"></i>
-OpenSource Compass
-
-        </h1>
-        <button class="hamburger-menu" aria-label="Toggle navigation" aria-expanded="false">
-             <i class="fas fa-bars"></i>
-        </button>
-        <div class="nav-links">
-            <a href="${getPath('index.html')}">Home</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/guides.html')}">Guides</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/programs.html')}">Programs</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/Resources.html')}">Resources</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/contributors.html')}">Contributors</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/faq.html')}">FAQ</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/Contribute.html')}">Contribute</a>
-            <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/feedback.html')}">Feedback</a>
-           <button
-  id="themeToggle"
-  aria-label="Toggle dark mode"
-  title="Toggle dark mode"
-  style="background: none; border: none; color: var(--primary-gold); cursor: pointer; font-size: 1.1rem; margin-left: 0.5rem; transition: transform 0.3s ease;"
->
-  <i class="fas fa-moon" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+  <header>
+    <nav class="navbar-container" role="navigation" aria-label="Primary Navigation">
+            <a href="${getPath('index.html')}" class="brand-title">
+              <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true" style="color: var(--primary-gold); margin-right: 0.4rem;"></i>
+              OpenSource Compass
+            </div>
+
+<button class="hamburger-menu" 
+        aria-label="Toggle navigation" 
+        aria-expanded="false">
+  <i class="fas fa-bars" aria-hidden="true"></i>
 </button>
 
-        </div>
-    </div>
-</header>
+<div class="nav-links">
+    <a href="${getPath('index.html')}">Home</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/guides.html')}">Guides</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/programs.html')}">Programs</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/Resources.html')}">Resources</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/contributors.html')}">Contributors</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/faq.html')}">FAQ</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/Contribute.html')}">Contribute</a>
+    <a href="${getPath('frontend/pages/feedback.html')}">Feedback</a>
+
+    <button
+        id="themeToggle"
+        aria-label="Toggle dark mode"
+        aria-pressed="false"
+        title="Toggle dark mode"
+        style="background: none; border: none; color: var(--primary-gold); cursor: pointer; font-size: 1.1rem; margin-left: 0.5rem; transition: transform 0.3s ease;"
+    >
+        <i class="fas fa-moon" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+    </button>
+</div>
+
+
 `;
 
 const footerHTML = `
@@ -60,7 +64,7 @@ const footerHTML = `
     <div class="footer-top">
       <div class="footer-brand">
         <div class="footer-mark" aria-hidden="true">
-          <i class="fas fa-compass"></i>
+          <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true"></i>
         </div>
         <div>
           <div class="footer-title">OpenSource Compass</div>
@@ -122,22 +126,22 @@ const footerHTML = `
 
     <div class="footer-bottom">
       <div class="footer-badges" aria-label="Footer highlights">
-        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-shield"></i> Community-safe</span>
-        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-bolt"></i> Beginner-ready</span>
-        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-code-branch"></i> Open source</span>
+        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-shield" aria-hidden="true"></i> Community-safe</span>
+        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-bolt" aria-hidden="true"></i> Beginner-ready</span>
+        <span class="footer-pill"><i class="fas fa-code-branch" aria-hidden="true"></i> Open source</span>
         <button id="pwa-install-btn" class="footer-pill" style="display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; margin-left:10px;">
-            <i class="fas fa-download"></i> Install App
+            <i class="fas fa-download" aria-hidden="true"></i> Install App
         </button>
       </div>
 
       <div class="footer-meta">
-        <span>© <span id="footer-year"></span> OpenSource Compass</span>
+        <span>© <span id="footer-year" aria-live="polite"></span> OpenSource Compass</span>
         <span class="footer-sep" aria-hidden="true">•</span>
         <a class="footer-inline"
            href="https://github.com/sayeeg-11/OpenSource-Compass"
            target="_blank"
            rel="noopener noreferrer">
-          <i class="fab fa-github"></i> Star on GitHub
+          <i class="fab fa-github" aria-hidden="true"></i> Star on GitHub
         </a>
       </div>
     </div>
diff --git a/frontend/js/theme.js b/frontend/js/theme.js
index 539c68a3..a61ba236 100644
--- a/frontend/js/theme.js
+++ b/frontend/js/theme.js
@@ -7,9 +7,20 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
     const applyTheme = (isDark) => {
         document.body.classList.toggle('dark-mode', isDark);
         updateThemeIcon(isDark);
+
+        const toggleBtn = document.getElementById('themeToggle');
+        if (toggleBtn) {
+            toggleBtn.setAttribute('aria-pressed', isDark ? 'true' : 'false');
+            toggleBtn.setAttribute(
+                'aria-label',
+                isDark ? 'Switch to light mode' : 'Switch to dark mode'
+            );
+        }
+
         localStorage.setItem('theme', isDark ? 'dark' : 'light');
     };
 
+
     // Load saved theme
     const savedTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme');
     applyTheme(savedTheme === 'dark');
@@ -25,7 +36,7 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
 
     // Keyboard shortcut: Press "D"
     document.addEventListener('keydown', (e) => {
-        if (e.target.tagName === 'INPUT' || e.target.tagName === 'TEXTAREA') return;
+        if (['INPUT', 'TEXTAREA'].includes(e.target.tagName)) return;
         if (e.key.toLowerCase() !== 'd') return;
 
         const isDark = !document.body.classList.contains('dark-mode');
@@ -40,8 +51,17 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
         const currentPath = window.location.pathname.split('/').pop() || 'index.html';
         document.querySelectorAll('.nav-links a').forEach(link => {
             const linkPath = link.getAttribute('href').split('/').pop();
-            link.classList.toggle('active', linkPath === currentPath);
+            const isActive = linkPath === currentPath;
+
+            link.classList.toggle('active', isActive);
+
+            if (isActive) {
+                link.setAttribute('aria-current', 'page');
+            } else {
+                link.removeAttribute('aria-current');
+            }
         });
+
     };
 
     highlightActiveLink();
@@ -54,7 +74,14 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
 
     if (scrollTopBtn) {
         window.addEventListener('scroll', () => {
-            scrollTopBtn.style.display = window.scrollY > 300 ? 'flex' : 'none';
+            if (window.scrollY > 300) {
+                scrollTopBtn.style.display = 'flex';
+                scrollTopBtn.removeAttribute('aria-hidden');
+            } else {
+                scrollTopBtn.style.display = 'none';
+                scrollTopBtn.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'true');
+            }
+
         });
 
         scrollTopBtn.addEventListener('click', () => {
diff --git a/frontend/pages/Contribute.html b/frontend/pages/Contribute.html
index 90b2da49..738ce0f4 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/Contribute.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/Contribute.html
@@ -419,7 +419,10 @@ <h3>Contribution Best Practices</h3>
     <i class="fas fa-chevron-up"></i>
   </button>
 
-  <div id="footer"></div>
+  <footer>
+    <div id="footer"></div>
+  </footer>
+
 
   <script src="../js/main.js"></script>
   <script src="../js/components.js"></script>
diff --git a/frontend/pages/contributors.html b/frontend/pages/contributors.html
index 8db82efa..bec550c1 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/contributors.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/contributors.html
@@ -133,8 +133,10 @@
 </head>
 
 <body class="contributors-page">
-  <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
-  <div id="navbar"></div>
+  <header>
+    <div id="navbar"></div>
+  </header>
+
 
   <main>
     <section class="contributors-section">
@@ -163,7 +165,10 @@ <h1>Contributors</h1>
     </section>
   </main>
 
-  <div id="footer"></div>
+  <footer>
+    <div id="footer"></div>
+  </footer>
+
 
   <script src="../js/components.js"></script>
   <script src="../js/theme.js"></script>
diff --git a/frontend/pages/faq.html b/frontend/pages/faq.html
index 5869b367..6863ea04 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/faq.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/faq.html
@@ -222,7 +222,10 @@ <h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3>
     </section>
   </main>
 
-  <div id="footer"></div>
+  <footer>
+    <div id="footer"></div>
+  </footer>
+
 
   <script src="../js/components.js"></script>
 
diff --git a/frontend/pages/feedback.html b/frontend/pages/feedback.html
index 39db75f8..8559e1f6 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/feedback.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/feedback.html
@@ -13,7 +13,10 @@
 <body>
 
   <!-- 🔹 Shared Navbar (Injected by components.js) -->
-  <div id="navbar"></div>
+  <header>
+    <div id="navbar"></div>
+  </header>
+
 
   <!-- Page Header -->
   <section class="feedback-header">
diff --git a/frontend/pages/git-playground.html b/frontend/pages/git-playground.html
index 3f94623c..d11e6a0e 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/git-playground.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/git-playground.html
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
     <!-- Navbar (Simplified) -->
     <nav class="playground-nav">
         <div class="nav-brand">
-            <i class="fas fa-compass"></i>
+            <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true"></i>
             <span>Git Playground</span>
         </div>
         <a href="guides.html" class="nav-back">
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@
                             <span class="prompt-pill dir">~/projects</span>
                             <span class="prompt-symbol">λ</span>
                             <input type="text" id="command-input" placeholder="Enter a command..." autocomplete="off">
-                            <button id="send-btn" title="Run Command"><i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i></button>
+                            <button id="send-btn" title="Run Command"><i class="fas fa-paper-plane" aria-hidden="true"></i></button>
                         </div>
                     </div>
                 </div>
diff --git a/frontend/pages/glossary.html b/frontend/pages/glossary.html
index eb3a88bb..bb4139b4 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/glossary.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/glossary.html
@@ -118,7 +118,10 @@ <h2>All Glossary Terms</h2>
 
     </main>
 
-    <div id="footer"></div>
+    <footer>
+        <div id="footer"></div>
+    </footer>
+
 
     <script>
         /* ===============================
diff --git a/frontend/pages/programs.html b/frontend/pages/programs.html
index 6b18d4bd..c29d3f83 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/programs.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/programs.html
@@ -23,8 +23,12 @@
 
 
 <body>
-  <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
+<div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
+
+<header>
   <div id="navbar"></div>
+</header>
+
 
   <main role="main">
     <section>
diff --git a/frontend/pages/sitemap.html b/frontend/pages/sitemap.html
index 2b04fa8e..fe4cbe1a 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/sitemap.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/sitemap.html
@@ -19,7 +19,10 @@
 </head>
 
 <body>
- <div id="navbar"></div>
+  <header>
+    <div id="navbar"></div>
+  </header>
+
  <main class="roadmap-container">
   <nav class="roadmap-nav">
   <ul>
diff --git a/frontend/pages/success-stories.html b/frontend/pages/success-stories.html
index b35c46b3..2a79351d 100644
--- a/frontend/pages/success-stories.html
+++ b/frontend/pages/success-stories.html
@@ -16,8 +16,10 @@
 </head>
 
 <body>
-    <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
-    <div id="navbar"></div>
+    <header>
+      <div id="navbar"></div>
+    </header>
+
 
     <!-- Hero Section -->
     <section class="stories-hero">
@@ -27,7 +29,7 @@
                 Community Achievements
             </div>
             <h1>
-                <i class="fas fa-chart-line"></i>
+                <i class="fas fa-chart-line" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                 Success Stories
             </h1>
             <p>
@@ -59,10 +61,14 @@ <h3>📝 Have Your Own Success Story?</h3>
     </main>
 
     <!-- Submit Story Modal -->
-    <div id="submitModal" class="modal">
+    <div id="submitModal" 
+     class="modal" 
+     role="dialog" 
+     aria-modal="true" 
+     aria-labelledby="submitModalTitle">
         <div class="modal-content">
             <div class="modal-header">
-                <h2>
+                <h2 id="submitModalTitle">
                     <i class="fas fa-pen"></i>
                     Share Your Success Story To Community 
                 </h2>
@@ -112,7 +118,7 @@ <h2>
                         Cancel
                     </button>
                     <button type="submit" class="btn-primary">
-                        <i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i>
+                        <i class="fas fa-paper-plane" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                         Submit Story
                     </button>
                 </div>
@@ -139,15 +145,20 @@ <h2>
                 <form id="commentForm" class="comment-form">
                     <textarea id="commentText" placeholder="Write a comment..." rows="3" required></textarea>
                     <button type="submit" class="btn-primary">
-                        <i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i>
+                        <i class="fas fa-paper-plane" aria-hidden="true"></i>
                         Post Your Comment
                     </button>
                 </form>
             </div>
         </div>
     </div>
-     <div id="footer"></div>
-    <button id="scrollTopBtn" title="Back to Top" aria-label="Back to Top">
+    <footer>
+        <div id="footer"></div>
+    </footer>
+
+    <button id="scrollTopBtn"
+        title="Back to Top"
+        aria-label="Back to Top">
         <i class="fas fa-chevron-up"></i>
     </button>
    
diff --git a/index.html b/index.html
index c81deff2..0db67eb8 100644
--- a/index.html
+++ b/index.html
@@ -1,31 +1,60 @@
 <!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="en">
-  <head>
-    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
-    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
-    <meta property="og:title" content="OpenSource Compass" />
-    <meta property="og:description" content="OpenSource Compass is a platform that helps beginners navigate open source by providing structured guides, resources, and program information." />
-    <meta property="og:image" content="https://sayeeg-11.github.io/OpenSource-Compass/public/preview-image.png" />
-    <meta property="og:url" content="https://sayeeg-11.github.io/OpenSource-Compass" />
-    <meta property="og:type" content="website" />
-    <title>OpenSource Compass - Navigate Your Open Source Journey</title>
-    <meta
-      name="description"
-      content="OpenSource Compass helps you start, learn, and grow in open source with curated guides, programs, and resources."
-    />
-    <link
-      rel="stylesheet"
-      href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.4.0/css/all.min.css"
-    />
-    <link rel="icon" href="./frontend/library/assets/favicon.png" type="image/png" />
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/style.css" />
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/home.css" />
-      <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/chatbot.css" />
-  
+<head>
+  <!-- ===== META ===== -->
+  <meta charset="UTF-8" />
+  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
   
+  <meta name="description"
+    content="OpenSource Compass helps you start, learn, and grow in open source with curated guides, programs, and resources." />
+
+  <meta property="og:title" content="OpenSource Compass" />
+  <meta property="og:description"
+    content="Beginner-friendly platform to learn and contribute to open source." />
+  <meta property="og:image"
+    content="https://sayeeg-11.github.io/OpenSource-Compass/public/preview-image.png" />
+  <meta property="og:url"
+    content="https://sayeeg-11.github.io/OpenSource-Compass" />
+  <meta property="og:type" content="website" />
+
+  <title>OpenSource Compass – Navigate Your Open Source Journey</title>
+
+  <!-- ===== ICONS & FONTS ===== -->
+  <link rel="icon" href="./frontend/library/assets/favicon.png" type="image/png" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet"
+    href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.4.0/css/all.min.css" />
+
+  <!-- ===== STYLES ===== -->
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/pr-generator.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/style.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/home.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/chatbot.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/recommendations.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css" />
+
+  <!-- ===== GOOGLE FONTS ===== -->
+  <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com" />
+  <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin />
+  <link
+    href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700;800&family=Inter:wght@400;600;700&display=swap"
+    rel="stylesheet" />
+</head>
+
 
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/pr-generator.css" />
     <style>
+    #scrollTopBtn {
+      display: flex !important;
+      /* Enables Flexbox centering */
+      justify-content: center !important;
+      /* Horizontally center */
+      align-items: center !important;
+      /* Vertically center */
+      padding: 0 !important;
+      /* Remove padding that offsets the icon */
+      line-height: 0 !important;
+      /* Reset line height for precise icons */
+    }
+      /* Container to center the entire grid */
       /* --- THEME VARIABLES --- */
 :root {
   --bg-color: #ffffff;
@@ -501,37 +530,33 @@
         justify-content: center;
     }
 }
-  </style>
-  <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/recommendations.css" />
+</style>
+</head>
+
+<body>
+
+  <!-- Skip Link for Accessibility -->
+  <a href="#main" class="skip-to-main">Skip to main content</a>
+
+  <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
+  <div id="scrollProgress"></div>
 
-    
-    <!-- Original Typography -->
-    <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
-    <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
-    <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700;800&family=Crimson+Text:wght@400;600;700&family=Inter:wght@400;600;700;800&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
-    
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/style.css"/>
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="frontend/css/chatbot.css">
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
-    
-  </head>
-  <body>
-    <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
-
-    <div id="scrollProgress"></div>
+  <header role="banner">
     <div id="navbar"></div>
+  </header>
+
+  <main id="main" role="main">
+
     <!-- HERO SECTION -->
-    <section class="hero">
+    <section class="hero" aria-label="OpenSource Compass hero">
       <div class="hero-container">
         <div class="hero-content">
+
           <div class="hero-eyebrow">
-            <span class="hero-dot"></span>
+            <span class="hero-dot" aria-hidden="true"></span>
             <span>Your Gateway to Open Source</span>
           </div>
 
-<body>
-  <div id="cursor-highlight" aria-hidden="true"></div>
-  <div id="navbar"></div>
           <h1>
             Navigate Your<br>
             <span class="gradient-text">Open Source Odyssey</span>
@@ -543,163 +568,193 @@ <h1>
 
           <div class="hero-cta">
             <a href="#programs" class="btn-primary">
-              <i class="fas fa-rocket"></i>
+              <i class="fas fa-rocket" aria-hidden="true"></i>
               <span>Launch Journey</span>
             </a>
             <a href="frontend/pages/guides.html" class="btn-secondary">
-              <i class="fas fa-book-open"></i>
+              <i class="fas fa-book-open" aria-hidden="true"></i>
               <span>Browse Guides</span>
             </a>
           </div>
 
           <div class="hero-features">
             <div class="hero-feature">
-              <i class="fas fa-seedling"></i>
+              <i class="fas fa-seedling" aria-hidden="true"></i>
               <span>Beginner-friendly</span>
             </div>
-            <div class="hero-feature">
-              <i class="fas fa-compass"></i>
-              <span>Curated Paths</span>
+
             </div>
-            <div class="hero-feature">
-              <i class="fas fa-code-branch"></i>
-              <span>Real Programs</span>
+
+            <h1>
+              Navigate Your<br>
+              <span class="gradient-text">Open Source Odyssey</span>
+            </h1>
+
+            <p class="hero-subtitle">
+              Discover timeless wisdom for open source mastery. From your first commit to maintainer status, chart your course with proven guides, legendary programs, and a community that supports your journey.
+            </p>
+
+            <div class="hero-cta">
+              <a href="#programs" class="btn-primary">
+                <i class="fas fa-rocket" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Launch Journey</span>
+              </a>
+              <a href="frontend/pages/guides.html" class="btn-secondary">
+                <i class="fas fa-book-open" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Browse Guides</span>
+              </a>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="hero-features">
+              <div class="hero-feature">
+                <i class="fas fa-seedling" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Beginner-friendly</span>
+              </div>
+              <div class="hero-feature">
+                <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Curated Paths</span>
+              </div>
+              <div class="hero-feature">
+                <i class="fas fa-code-branch" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Real Programs</span>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          <div class="hero-visual">
+            <div class="compass-container">
+              <div class="compass-main">
+                <div class="compass-ring compass-ring-1"></div>
+                <div class="compass-ring compass-ring-2"></div>
+                <div class="compass-center">
+                  <i class="fas fa-compass" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                </div>
+                <div class="compass-needle"></div>
+              </div>
+
+              <div class="floating-card floating-card-1">
+                <i class="fas fa-list-check" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Good First Issues</span>
+              </div>
+
+              <div class="floating-card floating-card-2">
+                <i class="fas fa-people-group" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Community-First</span>
+              </div>
+
+              <div class="floating-card floating-card-3">
+                <i class="fas fa-award" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+                <span>Programs Hub</span>
+              </div>
             </div>
           </div>
         </div>
+      </section>
+
 
-        <div class="hero-visual">
-          <div class="compass-container">
-            <div class="compass-main">
-              <div class="compass-ring compass-ring-1"></div>
-              <div class="compass-ring compass-ring-2"></div>
-              <div class="compass-center">
-                <i class="fas fa-compass"></i>
+      <!-- VIDEO SECTION -->
+      <section id="opensource-video" style="padding: 80px 6%; text-align: center; background: var(--warm-cream); position: relative;">
+        <div style="max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto;">
+          <div style="margin-bottom: 50px;">
+            <span style="display: inline-block; font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 2.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--secondary-gold); margin-bottom: 16px;">Learning Resources</span>
+            <h2 style="font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem); font-weight: 800; color: var(--deep-navy); margin-bottom: 20px; letter-spacing: -0.02em;">Start Your First Contribution</h2>
+            <p style="font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-size: 1.25rem; color: var(--text-secondary); max-width: 700px; margin: 0 auto; line-height: 1.8;">Watch this comprehensive guide for beginners to learn the essentials of making your first open source contribution.</p>
+          </div>
+          
+          <div style="max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; border-radius: 24px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(27, 38, 59, 0.15); border: 3px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2);">
+            <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0;">
+              <iframe
+                src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3dGzOWWb0Eo"
+                style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;"
+                title="Open Source Contribution for Beginners"
+                frameborder="0"
+                sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation"
+                allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"
+                allowfullscreen>
+              </iframe>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </section>
+
+      <!-- STATS SECTION -->
+      <section class="stats-section reveal">
+        <div class="stats-container">
+          <div class="stats-header">
+            <span class="stats-eyebrow">Impactful Contributions</span>
+            <h2>Open Source Milestones</h2>
+            <p>Celebrating achievements of contributors, programs, and mentorships around the globe.</p>
+          </div>
+
+          <div class="stats-grid">
+            <div class="stat-card" role="group" aria-labelledby="stat1-label">
+              <div class="stat-icon">
+                <i class="fas fa-rocket" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-number" data-target="50000">
+                <span aria-live="polite">0</span>
               </div>
-              <div class="compass-needle"></div>
+              <div class="stat-label" id="stat1-label">First Contributions</div>
             </div>
 
-            <div class="floating-card floating-card-1">
-              <i class="fas fa-list-check"></i>
-              <span>Good First Issues</span>
+            <div class="stat-card">
+              <div class="stat-icon">
+                <i class="fas fa-layer-group" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-number" data-target="200">
+                <span aria-live="polite">0</span>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-label">Programs Tracked</div>
             </div>
 
-            <div class="floating-card floating-card-2">
-              <i class="fas fa-people-group"></i>
-              <span>Community-First</span>
+            <div class="stat-card">
+              <div class="stat-icon">
+                <i class="fas fa-users" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-number" data-target="10000">
+                <span aria-live="polite">0</span>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-label">Active Mentors</div>
             </div>
 
-            <div class="floating-card floating-card-3">
-              <i class="fas fa-award"></i>
-              <span>Programs Hub</span>
+            <div class="stat-card">
+              <div class="stat-icon">
+                <i class="fas fa-award" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-number" data-target="5">
+                <span aria-live="polite">0</span>
+              </div>
+              <div class="stat-label">Years Track Record</div>
             </div>
           </div>
         </div>
-      </div>
-    </section>
-    <section id="opensource-video" style="padding: 60px 20px; text-align: center;">
-      <span class="programs-eyebrow" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; color: #ffca28; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;">
-        Start Your Journey
-      </span>
-      <h3>🎥 Video for Beginners</h3>
-      <p style="margin-bottom: 30px;">Learn the workflow: Fork, Clone, Commit, and Push.</p>
-    
-      <div class="video-thumbnail-container" style="
-        max-width: 900px;
-        margin: 30px auto;
-        position: relative;
-        aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
-        border-radius: 15px;
-    overflow: hidden;
-    box-shadow: 0 15px 45px rgba(0,0,0,0.6);
-    cursor: pointer;
-    transition: transform 0.3s ease;
-    " onmouseover="this.style.transform='scale(1.02)'" onmouseout="this.style.transform='scale(1)'">
-
-    <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dGzOWWb0Eo" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none;">
-      <img src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3dGzOWWb0Eo/maxresdefault.jpg" 
-           alt="Open Source Tutorial Thumbnail" 
-           style="width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block;">
-
-      <div style="
-        position: absolute;
-        top: 0; left: 0;
-        width: 100%; height: 100%;
-        background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
-        display: flex;
-        justify-content: center;
-        align-items: center;
-      ">
-
-        <div style="
-          width: 80px;
-          height: 80px;
-          background: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.9);
-          border-radius: 50%;
-          display: flex;
-          justify-content: center;
-          align-items: center;
-          box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(255,0,0,0.4);
-        ">
-          <i class="fas fa-play" style="color: white; font-size: 30px; margin-left: 5px;"></i>
-      </div>
-      </div>
-    </a>
-  </div>
-</section>
-
-<!-- Programs Section -->
-
-<section class="programs">
-  <h3>Open Source Programs</h3>
-  <p>
-    Explore ongoing and upcoming open-source programs with timelines,
-    prerequisites, and official resources.
-  </p>
-
-  <div class="card-container">
-    <div class="card">
-      <div class="card-icon"><i class="fas fa-code"></i></div>
-        <h4>Google Summer of Code</h4>
-        <p>A global program focused on bringing new contributors into open source software development.</p>
-        <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-    </div>
-    <div class="card">
-      <div class="card-icon"><i class="fas fa-users"></i></div>
-          <h4>GSSoC</h4>
-          <p>GirlScript Summer of Code is a three-month-long Open Source program by GirlScript Foundation.</p>
-          <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-      </div>
-      <div class="card">
-        <div class="card-icon"><i class="fas fa-terminal"></i></div>
-          <h4>Hacktoberfest</h4>
-          <p>A month-long celebration of open-source software run by DigitalOcean.</p>
-          <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-      </div>
-      <div class="card">
-        <div class="card-icon"><i class="fas fa-snowflake"></i></div>
-          <h4>Social Winter of Code</h4>
-          <p>Beginner-focused winter open-source program.</p>
-          <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-      </div>
-      <div class="card">
-        <div class="card-icon"><i class="fab fa-linux"></i></div>
-        <h4>Linux Foundation</h4>
-        <p>Explore various mentorship opportunities within the massive Linux ecosystem.</p>
-        <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-    </div>
-    <div class="card">
-      <div class="card-icon"><i class="fas fa-globe"></i></div>
-          <h4>Outreachy</h4>
-          <p>Provides internships to people subject to systemic bias and underrepresented in tech.</p>
-          <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
-    </div>
-  </div>
-</div>
-  </section>
-
-
-    <main>
+
+        <button class="submit-btn" type="button" id="submitBtn">
+          <span class="btn-text">Submit Registration</span>
+          <span class="btn-loader"></span>
+        </button>
+
+        <p class="status" id="statusMsg" aria-live="polite"></p>
+      </section>
+
+  <!-- Programs Section -->
+      <section class="programs">
+        <h3>Open Source Programs</h3>
+        <p>
+          Explore ongoing and upcoming open-source programs with timelines,
+          prerequisites, and official resources.
+        </p>
+
+        <div class="card-container">
+          <div class="card">
+            <h4>Social Winter of Code</h4>
+            <p>Beginner-focused winter open-source program.</p>
+            <span class="badge">Upcoming</span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </section>
+
+      <!-- WHY SECTION -->
       <section id="why">
         <h3>Why OpenSource Compass?</h3>
         <p>
@@ -707,141 +762,125 @@ <h3>Why OpenSource Compass?</h3>
           decades of collective wisdom.
         </p>
 
-      <div class="compass-timeline">
+        <div class="compass-timeline">
 
-        <div class="compass-step">
-          <div class="compass-icon">
-            <i class="fas fa-seedling"></i>
+          <div class="compass-step">
+            <div class="compass-icon">
+              <i class="fas fa-seedling" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+            </div>
+            <div class="compass-content">
+              <h4>Start with Strong Foundations</h4>
+              <p>
+                Learn the timeless principles that successful open-source projects
+                are built upon — long before your first pull request.
+              </p>
+            </div>
           </div>
-          <div class="compass-content">
-            <h4>Start with Strong Foundations</h4>
-            <p>
-              Learn the timeless principles that successful open-source projects
-              are built upon — long before your first pull request.
-            </p>
+
+          <div class="compass-step">
+            <div class="compass-icon">
+              <i class="fas fa-users" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+            </div>
+            <div class="compass-content">
+              <h4>Grow with Mentorship</h4>
+              <p>
+                Learn alongside maintainers and contributors who’ve already walked
+                the path you’re starting today.
+              </p>
+            </div>
           </div>
+
         </div>
-        <div class="compass-step">
-          <div class="compass-icon">
-            <i class="fas fa-users"></i>
-          </div>
-          <div class="compass-content">
-            <h4>Grow with Mentorship</h4>
+      </section>
+
+
+      <!-- PROGRAMS SECTION -->
+      <section class="programs-section reveal" id="programs">
+        <div class="programs-container">
+          <div class="programs-header">
+            <span class="programs-eyebrow">Legendary Programs</span>
+            <h2>Open Source Opportunities</h2>
             <p>
-              Learn alongside maintainers and contributors who’ve already walked
-              the path you’re starting today.
-            </p>
-          </div>        
-        </div>        
-        <div class="compass-step">          
-          <div class="compass-icon">            
-            <i class="fas fa-scroll"></i>          
-          </div>          
-          <div class="compass-content">            
-            <h4>Navigate Community & Culture</h4>            
-            <p>              
-              Understand codes of conduct, collaboration etiquette, and how              
-              contributors earn trust and respect.
+              Curated programs with historical success rates and maintainer insights 
+              to accelerate your journey.
             </p>
           </div>
-        </div>
-        <div class="compass-step">
-          <div class="compass-icon">
-            <i class="fas fa-people-group"></i>
-          </div>
-          <div class="compass-content">
-            <h4>Community Driven</h4>
-            <p>Built by contributors, improved by contributors.</p>
+
+          <div class="programs-grid">
+
+            <div class="program-card">
+              <div class="program-icon-wrapper">
+                <i class="fas fa-snowflake program-icon" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <h3>Social Winter of Code</h3>
+              <p>India's premier winter program with strong mentorship culture.</p>
+              <span class="program-badge">Jan 2026</span>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="program-card">
+              <div class="program-icon-wrapper">
+                <i class="fas fa-sun program-icon" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <h3>GirlScript Summer of Code</h3>
+              <p>Large-scale program with mentors and structured contribution paths.</p>
+              <span class="program-badge">Summer 2026</span>
+            </div>
+
+            <div class="program-card">
+              <div class="program-icon-wrapper">
+                <i class="fab fa-google program-icon" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              </div>
+              <h3>Google Summer of Code</h3>
+              <p>Global standard for student contributors and open source orgs.</p>
+              <span class="program-badge">Advanced</span>
+            </div>
+
           </div>
         </div>
-      </div>
-    </section>
-    <section class="stats">
-      <div class="stats-header">
-        <h3>Open Source Milestones</h3>
-        <p>Celebrating achievements of contributors, programs, and mentorships around the globe.</p>
-      </div>
-      <div class="stats-grid">
-        <div class="stat-card fade-in">
-          <div class="stat-icon"><i class="fas fa-rocket"></i></div>
-          <h2>50K+</h2>
-          <p>First Contributions</p>
-        </div>
-        <div class="stat-card fade-in">
-          <div class="stat-icon"><i class="fas fa-layer-group"></i></div>
-          <h2>200+</h2>
-          <p>Programs Tracked</p>
-        </div>
-        <div class="stat-card fade-in">
-          <div class="stat-icon"><i class="fas fa-users"></i></div>
-          <h2>10K+</h2>
-          <p>Active Mentors</p>
-        </div>
-        <div class="stat-card fade-in">
-          <div class="stat-icon"><i class="fas fa-award"></i></div>
-          <h2>5Y+</h2>
-          <p>Proven Track Record</p>
+      </section>
+
+
+      <!-- NEWSLETTER SECTION -->
+      <section class="newsletter-section reveal">
+        <div class="newsletter-container">
+          <h2>Stay Ahead of Open Source</h2>
+          <p>
+            Weekly dispatches with program deadlines, AMAs, and contribution tips.
+          </p>
+
+          <form class="newsletter-form">
+            <label for="newsletter-email" class="sr-only">Email address</label>
+            <input
+              type="email"
+              id="newsletter-email"
+              name="email"
+              placeholder="Enter your email address"
+              required
+            />
+
+            <button type="submit">
+              <i class="fas fa-paper-plane" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+              Subscribe
+            </button>
+          </form>
         </div>
-      </div>
-    </section>
-    <section class="programs" id="programs">
-      <div class="programs-header">
-        <h3>Open Source Opportunities</h3>
-        <p>Curated programs with historical success rates and maintainer insights.</p>
-      </div>
-  
-        <div class="card-grid">
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fas fa-snowflake"></i> Social Winter of Code</h4>
-            <p>India's premier winter program with strong mentorship culture.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Jan 2026</span>
-          </div>
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fas fa-sun"></i> GirlScript Summer of Code</h4>
-            <p>Large-scale program with mentors, tasks, and community learning.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Summer 2026</span>
-          </div>
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fab fa-google"></i> Google Summer of Code</h4>
-            <p>Global standard for student contributors and open source orgs.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Advanced</span>
-          </div>
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fas fa-leaf"></i> Outreachy</h4>
-            <p>Paid internships supporting underrepresented people in tech.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Internship</span>
-          </div>
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fas fa-mountain"></i> MLH Fellowship</h4>
-            <p>Work in pods on real projects with guided mentorship.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Spring</span>
-          </div>
-          <div class="card fade-in">
-            <h4><i class="fab fa-linux"></i> Linux Foundation Mentorship</h4>
-            <p>Paid mentorships across major Linux Foundation projects.</p>
-            <span class="badge">Professional</span>
-          </div>
-      </div>
-    </section>
-    <section class="newsletter">
-      <div class="newsletter-container">
-        <h3>Stay Ahead of Open Source</h3>
-        <p>Weekly dispatches: deadlines, AMAs, and contribution strategies.</p>
-        <form class="newsletter-form">
-          <input type="email" placeholder="Your dev email..." required />
-          <button type="submit">
-            <i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i>
-            Subscribe
-          </button>
-        </form>
-      </div>
-    </section>
-  </main>
-    <div id="footer"></div>
-    <div id="opensource-chatbot"></div>
+      </section>
+
+    </main>
+    <footer>
+      <div id="footer"></div>
+    </footer>
+
+    <button id="scrollTopBtn"
+        title="Back to Top"
+        aria-label="Back to Top">
+      <i class="fas fa-chevron-up" aria-hidden="true"></i>
+    </button>
 
-    <button id="scrollTopBtn" title="Back to Top"><i class="fas fa-chevron-up"></i></button>
+    <!-- OpenSource Guide Chatbot Mount -->
+    <div id="opensource-chatbot"></div>
 
+    <!-- Scripts -->
     <script src="frontend/js/components.js"></script>
     <script src="frontend/js/theme.js"></script>
     <script src="frontend/js/home.js"></script>
@@ -849,6 +888,7 @@ <h3>Stay Ahead of Open Source</h3>
     <script src="frontend/js/pwa.js"></script>
     <script src="frontend/js/pr-generator.js"></script>
     <script src="index.js"></script>
-   
-</body>
+
+  </body>
 </html>
+
diff --git a/sw.js b/sw.js
index 1c0a2323..e74abcc2 100644
--- a/sw.js
+++ b/sw.js
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ const ASSETS_TO_CACHE = [
     './',
     './index.html',
     './offline.html',
-    './frontend/css/style.css',
+    './css/style.css',
     './frontend/css/home.css',
     './frontend/js/components.js',
     './frontend/js/theme.js',