UNITED WAY VETERANS FUNDOutcomes Training

April 29, 2013

Program outcomes

= benefits to program participants that result from program activities.

The Traditional Service Program Model

INPUTS

ACTIVITIES

OUTPUTS

Definitions

• Inputs: resources • Activities: what the program does• Outputs: volume of work accomplished

(counts)

• Outcomes: benefits or changes to individuals during program activities

What are not outcomes.

• Recruiting and training staff• Purchasing or upgrading equipment• Number of participants served • Participant satisfaction

Examples of possible outcomes

• Child care

• Outpatient substance abuse treatment

• Overnight camping for 8-12 year old inner city boys

• Children are ready for kindergarten

• Participants increase knowledge about the effects of substance abuse and addiction

• Boys learn outdoor survival skills

Select indicators to measure: how will you know/what will you see?

OUTCOME• Participants stop

smoking

• Participants become proficient in English

INDICATORS: • Number and % who report

they have quit smoking by the end of the course

• Number and % who have not relapsed after 6 months

• Number and % of participants who demonstrate reading and writing skills by the end of the course

Performance Standards 2 parts

Who will benefit? • 75% of Financial Education clients…..

By how much?• ….will reduce their credit

card debt by 10% over 3 months.

Using Outcomes Data Methodolog

y

Collection of data

Review results

Use results to improve

program

Why focus on outcomes measurement?

• Lets people know what’s being done and what difference it makes

• Focuses on programs that really make a difference

• Collects information on an ongoing basis • Provides data to show quality• Benefits the organization for long-term planning

purposes• Data is used to improve programming

Reference

Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach, United Way of America, 1996