In this article, the author describes how middle schools can prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Integrating 21st century skills deliberately and systematically into middle school education will empower educators to accomplish many of the elusive goals they have tried to reach for years. Twenty-first century skills include the intelligent reasoning, positive attitudes, and practical skills that enable students to learn and achieve in core subjects at higher levels. They provide a powerful organizing framework for leadership and professional development, and for teaching and learning that motivates and engages students and builds their confidence as learners. These skills will also prepare students to innovate, lead 21st century enterprises, and participate effectively in civic life. (Contains 1 figure.)