Final tweaks for ohw26 first release

Applications opening by May 15. Refine text about lodging and meals costs and search for sponsors

Author: emiliom

index.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ description: OceanHackWeek home
 
 OceanHackWeek 2026 (OHW26) will be held on **August 24-28, 2026** at the [Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre](https://bamfieldmsc.com) on the West Coast of beautiful [Vancouver Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Island), British Columbia, Canada!
 
-**We're planning to open applications by the end of May.** Stay tuned and check back soon for updates.
+**We're planning to open applications by Friday May 15.** Stay tuned and check back then!
 
 ```{button-link} ohw26/
 :color: primary
@@ -20,9 +20,10 @@ OceanHackWeek 2026 (OHW26) will be held on **August 24-28, 2026** at the [Bamfie
 Go to OceanHackWeek 2026
 ```
 
-```{admonition} Attention potential Industry Partners
+```{admonition} Attention potential industry partners and other sponsors
 :class: seattention
-**We are looking for _industry partners_** to help us lower costs for participants and expose them to private-sector careers in ocean data science! Please contact [Julek Chawarski](mailto:jchawarski@aslenv.com) to learn more. Thank you for your support!
+
+**We are looking for _industry partners_ or other sponsors** to help us lower costs for participants and expose them to private-sector careers in ocean data science! Please contact [Julek Chawarski](mailto:jchawarski@aslenv.com) to learn more and discuss options. Even small funding support would be really helpful. Thank you!
 ```
 
 :::

ohw26/applicants.md

@@ -12,12 +12,12 @@ OceanHackWeek 2026 (OHW26) is a hands-on, interactive in-person workshop focused
 <!-- [Applications are open](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Mb72g93TySkyG_ls1Ql_wGEgynbUTI1YF_QJm4Mivv0/viewform?edit_requested=true) through July 14th. -->
 
 
-:::{admonition} Applications will open this month (May)!
+:::{admonition} Applications will open by May 15!
 :class: important
 
-We're planning to open applications by the end of May. Stay tuned and check back soon for updates!
+**We're planning to open applications by Friday May 15.** Stay tuned and check back then!
 
-Due to funding limitations for OHW, **this year we will likely charge a registration fee** to cover shortfalls in lodging and meals support. We're doing everything we can to keep costs low and provide opportunities for additional support to participants with the greatest need.
+Due to current funding limitations for OHW, **this year we may not be able to provide free-of-charge lodging and meals to participants.** to cover shortfalls in lodging and meals support. We're doing everything we can to keep costs low and provide opportunities for additional support to participants with the greatest need.
 
 :::
 

ohw26/index.md

@@ -8,12 +8,12 @@ OceanHackWeek 2026 (OHW26) will be held on **August 24-28, 2026** at the [Bamfie
 
 <!-- **Application review will begin July 15. Decisions by July 21.** -->
 
-:::{admonition} Applications will open this month (May)!
+:::{admonition} Applications will open by May 15!
 :class: important
 
-We're planning to open applications by the end of May. Stay tuned and check back soon for updates!
+**We're planning to open applications by Friday May 15.** Stay tuned and check back then!
 
-Due to funding limitations for OHW, **this year we will likely charge a registration fee** to cover shortfalls in lodging and meals support. We're doing everything we can to keep costs low and provide opportunities for additional support to participants with the greatest need.
+Due to current funding limitations for OHW, **this year we may not be able to provide free-of-charge lodging and meals to participants.** We're doing everything we can to keep costs low and provide opportunities for additional support to participants with the greatest need.
 
 :::