Today’s middle grades students face similar critical moments in their lives as did their predecessors. Sadly, not much has changed in the schools they attend. Digital natives, their use of new technologies is as natural to them as radio and records were to many of us. Diverse populations of gifted learners remain under-identified and underserved in the middle grades. The emphasis on STEM as a key component of global competitiveness must begin in middle school - but how? This session explores these key issues and potential solutions including programming structures, acceleration, service learning, subject area strategies, and the role of summer and co-curricular programming. Creativity and the will to step out of our comfort zones helps us seize this moment and inspire middle grades students to contribute to the greatness of our nation and the larger global community.