A new survey of American teenagers from the Amgen Foundation and Change the Equation offers real cause for optimism about the future of high school science and biology education in the United States. Teens generally like science--and biology in particular--and they grasp the importance of the field to people's lives. They know good biology teaching when they see it, and they would like the opportunity to do more engaging, hands-on science in school. These attitudes present a significant opportunity to improve Americans' knowledge and skills in science, yet we are not taking full advantage of that opportunity. The survey suggests, among other things, that many teens lack access to engaging, real-world science experiences, which is limiting their chances to pursue science any further. These findings are a call to action for anyone who is committed to inspiring the next generation of American scientists and innovators. Leaders in government, education, and industry need to support schools' and teachers' critical efforts to improve science teaching while enriching students' opportunities to experience science outside of school.