Bug: Waitlist modal cannot be closed with the Escape key

[SG170]

Bug Description

The "Join the waitlist" modal in src/components/SummerOfAI.jsx can only
be dismissed by clicking the ✕ button. Pressing the Escape key has no
effect. This is a standard accessibility expectation — all modals should
support Escape to close.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Go to the Summer of AI section
2. Click "Join the waitlist →"
3. When the modal opens, press the Escape key
4. Modal stays open — nothing happens

Expected Behavior

Pressing Escape should close the modal, the same as clicking ✕

Proposed Fix

Add a useEffect in SummerOfAI.jsx:

useEffect(() => {
  const handleKey = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') setBtn(false) }
  if (btn) window.addEventListener('keydown', handleKey)
  return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handleKey)
}, [btn])

Labels

bug good first issue

[SG170]

Hey @escher-m can you please assign this to me under GSSOC contributor??

[Srushti-Kamble14]

Hey @escher-m I would like to work on this issue .Please assign it to me

[PriyadharshniG]

Hi @escher-m,

I’d like to work on issue #96 under GSSoC 2026.

Implementation approach:

• Add keyboard event handling for the waitlist modal in "SummerOfAI.jsx"
• Enable modal dismissal using the "Escape" key for improved accessibility and user experience
• Ensure proper cleanup of event listeners to avoid unwanted side effects
• Maintain existing close button functionality and responsive behavior
• Test modal interactions across different devices and navigation flows

Looking forward to contributing.