Objective To understand the best ways to engage older youth in improving their nutrition and physical activity outcomes and increasing overall retention in nutrition education programs. Use of Theory or Research Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior. Target Audience Middle and high school youth. Program Description The hands-on Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) series is effective for engaging elementary-aged youth. However, this approach is not as effective when working with at-risk middle and high school students. To determine the best strategy for engaging older youth, Maryland EFNEP integrated innovative techniques into their youth lessons. Lessons were adapted from Drexel University's “APPetite for Health” by integrating medium-level technology, as well as cooking and physical activities. The digital resources included YouTube videos, computer-based activities, online surveys and polls, guided Google searches, and digital games. To determine which strategy the youth preferred the most, three lessons with medium-level technology and two lessons without technology (posters and food models only) were implemented. Evaluation Methods The youth completed a pre/post Qualtrics survey to assess if they preferred lessons integrated with technology or without technology and to determine if the technology positively affected their dietary behaviors. EFNEP's youth pre/post surveys were also administered to assess the students’ changes in nutrition and physical activity practices. Results The data showed that the middle and high school students enjoyed the medium-level technology the most (41%), especially the YouTube videos (38%). The physical activities and cooking activities remained popular with these students. Behavioral outcomes showed an improvement in: breakfast consumption on most days of the week (10% increase) and fruit and vegetable consumption, especially as a snack (20% increase). Youth also improved their diet quality (96%) and physical activity practices (65%). Conclusions A blended approach, using technology and hands-on activities, was the best strategy to engage older youth in nutrition programming. They enjoyed YouTube videos the most to learn about nutrition-related messages. Funding USDA EFNEP.