S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space
Reading Challenge
Sept. 25 – Oct. 16, 2026
Grades TK–12
Registration opens Sept. 4, 2026
Splashdown Celebration Nov. 14, 2026
Partnered with the Orange County Department of Education
A Four-Year Snapshot
805
Schools enrolled
5,696
Student sign-ups
24,642
Badges earned
2,653
Book reviews
Get Ready for Liftoff!
Choose an email list for challenge updates.
Email updates only — registration opens later.
About the Challenge
A fun, space-themed reading challenge that connects literacy and S.T.E.A.M.
The S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge turns reading into an adventure, with S.T.E.A.M.-themed books, milestone achievements, and a community celebration. Led by Timeless Learning, Inc., it brings families, educators, and sponsors together to help kids build reading confidence for school and beyond.
Teachers and students share how the challenge got them reading, setting goals, and earning prizes (2:55).
How the Reading Challenge Works
A quick overview and important dates
During the challenge dates below, readers use Beanstack to log minutes and earn tickets.
Sign Up
Join the challenge on Beanstack when registration opens.
Registration opens:
Sept. 4, 2026
Read
Read S.T.E.A.M. books and log your minutes on Beanstack.
Challenge dates:
Sept. 25 – Oct. 16, 2026
Win!
Complete goals to earn rewards and tickets for bonus drawings.
Submit tickets by:
Oct. 17, 2026
Choose Your Reading Adventure
Find your category for goals, booklists, and prizes.
Ages are a starting point — choose what fits best.
Picture Books
Ages: 4–6
Illustrated stories for reading aloud together
Goals • Books • Prizes
Early Reader
Ages: 7–9
Shorter stories for emerging independent readers
Goals • Books • Prizes
Middle Grade
Ages: 10–13
Longer chapter books for confident readers
Goals • Books • Prizes
Young Adult
Ages: 14–18
Deeper reads for teens and advanced middle grade
Goals • Books • Prizes
Let's Explore S.T.E.A.M.
Tap a word to reveal a few book themes.
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Every student deserves the chance to explore, learn, and imagine a future full of possibilities.
What Families and Educators Are Saying
A few notes from past seasons of the Reading Challenge
“This challenge helps students see how S.T.E.A.M. connects to the real world. Author Zoom sessions with students also attracted me.”
Dr. Alma Noche
Walnut STEAM Academy
“We’re now participating in the NASA Future Engineers Lunabotics contest. The Reading Challenge inspired me to look for new opportunities.”
Ms. Carol Hansen
de Portola Elementary
Ready for Liftoff?
Get email updates for key dates, or support the mission behind the challenge.
Email updates only — registration opens later.
