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What is a program logic?
A program logic is a visual or written representation that outlines how a program is intended to work. It connects inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes to show the pathway from resources to impact. In the context of widening participation and outreach in regional communities, a program logic helps stakeholders understand how specific actions lead to desired changes, such as increased access to education or improved community engagement.
This page will give some key information on program logics, before providing instructions and a template to make your own.
Why is a program logic important?
Clarifies Intentions – It ensures everyone involved understands the program’s goals and how they will be achieved.
Supports Planning and Decision-Making – Helps allocate resources effectively and identify gaps or risks.
Facilitates Evaluation – Provides a framework for measuring success by linking activities to outcomes.
Enhances Communication – Makes it easier to explain the program to funders, partners, and community members.
Builds Accountability – Shows a clear rationale for actions and expected results. .
Program Logic in the context of the Student Equity in Higher Education Evaluation Framework (SEHEEF)
The SEHEEF is currently the Department of Education’s preferred method of reporting. Designing a program logic with this in mind can be useful to show meaningful program and evaluation desig in this context.
Below is the original Program Logic developed for the wider Eastern Australia Regional University Centre Partnership, as an example of embeded SEHEEF design in a program. This covers the project, or everall level, including all the sub-projects that were run through individual RUSH and their partners. It is therefore very broad in nature, and more extensive than you may need for an individual RUSH-led program logic.
For greater context, you can read more about SEHEEF in this report.
SEHEEF Final Report.pdfEARUCP Program Logic (1).pdfCreate your own program logic
Define the Problem and Context
Identify barriers to participation in regional communities (e.g., geographic isolation, financial constraints).
Understand community needs and priorities.
Set Clear Goals
What long-term changes are you aiming for? (e.g., increased tertiary enrolment, improved educational aspirations).
Identify Inputs
Resources available: funding, staff, partnerships, technology.
Outline Activities
Outreach events, mentoring programs, school visits, online workshops.
Specify Outputs
Tangible deliverables: number of events held, participants engaged, materials distributed.
Map Outcomes
Short-term: increased awareness of opportunities.
Medium-term: improved confidence and readiness for higher education.
Long-term: higher participation rates in tertiary education.
Develop Indicators
How will success be measured? (e.g., attendance rates, survey feedback, enrolment statistics).
Validate with Stakeholders
Engage community members, educators, and partners to ensure relevance and feasibility.
Program Logic Evaluation Plan Template.pptxThis template provides a basic, editable program logic. It provides space for you to lay out resources, activities, and outcomes, and show their connections.
While creating an evaluation plan is something to tackle down the track (see Stage 5), it's good to be aware of now, so is inckuded in slide 2 of this template.
This template is from ACSES, derived from the SEHEEF by Equity by Design. It is an alternative for developing program-level Program Logics for equity programs.
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