This article describes the work of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy[R] (IMSA). Three "case stories" of students from IMSA illuminate some of the: (1) challenges and opportunities inherent in igniting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent in urban youth and ensuring their success; (2) principles for designing and creating learning experiences and environments that ignite and nurture the development of "creative, ethical scientific minds"; and (3) institutional lessons that have become clear to the authors after more than two decades of developing diverse STEM talent. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)