What are outcomes and outputs?
An outcome refers to the events or conditions of direct importance to the public/beneficiary that are external to the program. An outcome answers the question “What is the program’s goal or purpose?” For example, the goal of a job training program is to give someone the skills to find a job, as opposed to giving out a grant. An outcome measure may be the number and percent of people employed within six months of completing the job training program. An output refers to the internal activities of a program (e.g., the products or services delivered). The output answers the question “What does the program do to achieve its goal or purpose?” For example, a job training program may provide a class to teach someone the skills necessary to find a job. An output measure may be the number of people who complete a job training program. Together, outcome, output, and efficiency measures should tell a comprehensive story of program performance. For more information, please see PART guidance pp. 6-1
