Summer Learning Lists: The Surprising Link Between Summer Goals and Future STEM Success

Want your child to thrive in STEM and possibly become an engineer someday? One of the most powerful tools might be as simple as a summer list.

Each year, millions of students lose valuable academic progress during summer break—especially in math. But research shows that students who create and follow a summer learning list—a set of personal goals for math, science, and STEM exploration—can avoid the summer slide, strengthen critical skills, and set themselves up for long-term success in school and beyond.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• What the “summer slide” is (and how much math students really forget)

• How a self-directed summer learning list can help

• The connection between summer habits and future engineering careers

• What should go on your child's “Summer List for Future Engineers”

What Is the Summer Slide—and Why Is Math the Biggest Victim?

The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that happens when students are out of school for extended breaks. According to research, the average student loses about 20–50% of the math skills they gained during the school year.

Math skills decline more than reading, likely because kids are more likely to read for fun than solve algebra problems in their free time. Over several years, this learning loss accumulates, affecting students’ confidence and their ability to take advanced classes like algebra, geometry, or calculus.

🧮 Key stat: By 5th grade, students who experience yearly summer slide can be up to 18 months behind in math compared to peers who keep learning.

Why a Summer Learning List Works

A “summer list” is a simple but powerful idea: students write down specific academic and creative learning goals to complete over the summer.

Done right, a summer list helps students:

✅ Retain math and science skills
✅ Develop self-regulation and executive function (planning, time management, persistence)
✅ Build confidence and resilience
✅ Explore hands-on STEM topics they don’t get to in school
✅ Develop a strong STEM identity—seeing themselves as future scientists, engineers, or tech leaders

🧠 Students who build these habits early are more likely to persist through challenges, take advanced courses, and graduate with STEM degrees.

Summer Learning Predicts Long-Term STEM Success

Several studies—including randomized controlled trials—have shown that summer learning directly affects students’ academic trajectories.

📈 In one study of summer STEM programs, students were 33% more likely to complete a STEM degree in college than their peers.

🎓 Longitudinal data also shows that students who engage in academic summer activities—whether formal programs or self-directed projects—are more likely to attend selective universities, take AP STEM courses, and succeed in engineering programs.

Even better? These benefits grow over time. A child who does hands-on projects, reads STEM books, or teaches themselves coding each summer is building a foundation that compounds year after year.

What Should Be on a “Summer List for Future Engineers”?

Not sure what to include? A strong summer list should mix math reinforcement, STEM exploration, and project-based learning. Here’s a breakdown:

🔢 Math Review

• Daily or weekly Khan Academy sessions

• Math puzzles or logic games (Sudoku, logic grids)

• Real-world math: track sports stats, grocery budget, or run a lemonade stand

🧠 Logic & Critical Thinking

• Coding on Scratch or Python

• Strategy games like chess or puzzle-solving apps

• Daily brain teasers or riddles

🔬 Hands-On Projects

• Build a bridge from popsicle sticks

• Create a solar oven or DIY robot

• Run science experiments from home kits or YouTube

💻 Digital Skills

• Learn a coding language (Python, JavaScript)

• Start a blog or YouTube series on STEM topics

• Explore Tinkercad, 3D modeling, or Raspberry Pi

📚 STEM Exploration & Reading

• Read biographies of scientists/engineers

• Watch documentaries like Dream Big or Nova

• Visit a science museum or do a virtual field trip to NASA

📝 Bonus tip: Encourage your child to keep a summer learning journal and reflect on what they’ve done each week.

Making It Equitable: What If You Don’t Have Access to Camps?

You don’t need expensive STEM camps to make summer count. Independent learning can be just as powerful, especially with support from public libraries, online platforms, and free resources like:

• Khan Academy

• Code.org

• MIT OpenCourseWare

• PBS Kids STEM activities

• Local library science kits or museum passes

💡 Tip: Even students without internet at home can often access these at local libraries or community centers.

Final Thoughts: Why Summer Lists Matter

Summer lists aren’t just about avoiding academic backslide—they’re about empowering kids to grow on their own terms, especially in STEM.

When a student sets their own goals, pursues their curiosity, and accomplishes meaningful tasks over the summer, they’re developing more than knowledge. They’re building:

• Confidence

• Discipline

• A personal identity as a learner

And those are exactly the traits that successful engineers and scientists rely on every day.

👉 So this summer, don’t let learning go on vacation. Help your child create their own Summer List for Future Engineers—and watch them thrive.