Throughout the United States, legislators, business leaders, educators, and other stakeholders are debating the impending crisis of the shortage of mathematicians and scientists in the United States. Several books, such as Thomas Friedman's "The World Is Flat" and Ted Fishman's "China, Inc.," accentuate this growing dilemma. Worldwide, the United States has fallen behind China, India, and Russia in dealing with this intellectual shortage for many reasons. The variable of greatest concern for educators is the lack of opportunity to adequately meet the needs of the brightest students who have a passion for math and science. This article discusses the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky which will open as the fourteenth residential program for math and science in the US. The Academy has two major goals: (1) To provide appropriately challenging learning experiences for advanced students interested in mathematics and science; and (2) To promote and influence the economic development of Kentucky. The Academy, funded by the Kentucky General Assembly, will provide room, board, and tuition for every student. The Academy will offer a unique living and learning environment. This article discusses the student selection process in the Academy as well as essential characteristics for success at the Academy. As is evident from other states that have developed academies, Kentucky's entrepreneurial spirit will be infused dramatically in the years to come. In light of the national debate on how to be globally competitive and successful, the Academy stands to be a major intervention for both Kentucky and the US.