"AERA Open invites submissions for a Special Topic Collection focused on understanding the complex processes that shape engagement, participation, and long-term persistence in STEM pathways across K–20 and workforce contexts. We welcome theoretical, empirical, conceptual, methodological, and translational work that advances understanding of how individuals opt into STEM pathways, remain in them, and thrive within them—along with the systems, structures, and contexts that enable or constrain their participation.

"Interested authors must submit a structured abstract (max 500 words). Selected authors will be invited to submit full manuscripts, which will undergo standard double-blind peer review. Structured abstracts should include: (a) a brief statement of research aims/questions, (b) data and sample description, (c) analytic approach, (d) key findings to date, and (e) a brief indication of project stage (e.g., whether results are preliminary, final, or final with robustness/follow-up analyses completed or underway)."

Abstracts due: February 1, 2026
Decisions/invitations sent: March 1, 2026
Full papers due: June 1, 2026
Rolling publication begins: March 2027

See the complete call in the attached PDF file