In program evaluation and management, inputs, outputs, and outcomes represent a logical sequence of events that help to assess a program’s effectiveness.

• Inputs are the resources invested into a program. They are the “what we put in” part of the process.
• Outputs are the direct and tangible results of the program’s activities. They represent the “what we do” and “who we reach.”
• Outcomes are the changes or benefits that occur as a result of the program. They are the “what changed” or the ultimate impact on the target population.

Example: A Youth Mentoring Program 🤝

Let’s look at a youth mentoring program to illustrate the difference.

• Inputs: This includes everything the organization needs to run the program. This would be the financial resources to pay staff and rent office space, the human resources like mentors and program coordinators, and the materials such as curriculum guides, books, and computers. Essentially, these are the investments that make the program possible.
• Outputs: These are the immediate deliverables of the program. They are the quantifiable activities that happen. For this program, outputs would include the number of mentoring sessions held, the number of youth and mentors who participated, and the number of workshops provided. Outputs show that the program is active and reaching its target audience.
• Outcomes: These are the meaningful changes that result from the program’s outputs. They are the long-term effects on the participants. For the youth mentoring program, outcomes could be a decrease in school absenteeism among participating youth, an increase in their GPA, an improvement in their social skills, or a reduction in behavioral issues at home or in school. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s true impact on the lives of its participants.