Center for Outcomes Based Contracting Transitions to Independent Nonprofit Status

On October 14, 2026, the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) proudly announced its transformation into an independent nonprofit organization. This significant change comes after four years of supportive incubation under the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), reflecting a growing commitment to leveraging outcomes based contracting as a path to enhance student achievement across various educational landscapes.

Brittany Miller, the Center's executive director, emphasized that this transition not only solidifies the organization's structure but also amplifies its mission. "Our organization has not veered from its core values or focus, but with our new 501(c)(3) status, we are better equipped to collaborate with states, school districts, and service providers implementing outcomes based contracting," Miller stated. This new independence allows the Center to expand its reach and influence within the educational system, directly aiding in the push for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Originally established in 2021 as part of the SEF, this transition marks a significant milestone in the organization’s growth. The SEF itself, with a rich history spanning nearly 160 years, has a legacy of nurturing educational initiatives capable of evolving into sustainable entities. Raymond Pierce, the president and CEO of SEF, expressed pride in the Center's accomplishments and its potential moving forward as a self-sufficient entity.

The growing traction behind outcomes based contracting aligns with findings from a recent WestEd evaluation. Their report highlighted that learning interventions crafted under outcomes based contracts have not only enhanced student outcomes but also strengthened collaborations between school districts and service providers, ultimately amplifying district capabilities. According to the Center's 2025 Impact Report, 46 contracts worth approximately $28 million facilitated over 21,000 measurable outcomes for students. Significantly, the report indicated that students used classroom technology as prescribed 69% of the time, vastly outperforming the industry average of just 5%.

As the U.S. Department of Education continues to recognize the importance of outcomes based contracting in improving educational quality, states are increasingly adopting this model. Louisiana has recently instituted this contracting approach for its state-funded tutoring initiatives, while Michigan has tied it to its funding legislation. This movement reflects a significant shift in how educational strategies are conceived and expected to yield results.

Further contributing to its mission, the Center has actively engaged with over 87 school districts and 89 providers, impacting more than 63,000 students. The organization is driven by a commitment to innovation, accountability, and ongoing enhancement within the education sector. Through a suite of direct support resources, public materials, and cohort-based learning, the Center equips localities to effectively leverage outcomes based contracting as a means of ensuring quality education amidst resource constraints.

The establishment of clear benchmarks through the "Standards of Excellence for Outcomes Based Contracting™" represents the Center's dedication to maintaining high standards across the K-12 landscape, balancing substantial support with firm accountability. This foundational commitment resonates profoundly with the overarching goal of ensuring meaningful outcomes for districts, educators, and students alike.

The journey toward independent status is a testament to the Center's dedication to fostering long-term, substantive changes in educational practices. As it embarks on this vital new chapter, the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting is poised to make significant strides in education policy and implementation, ensuring that student learning remains paramount.

For more information about the Center’s initiatives and how outcomes based contracting can revolutionize educational spaces, please visit centerforobc.org.

About the Southern Education Foundation

Founded in 1867, the Southern Education Foundation is a leading organization committed to addressing educational inequities faced by low-income students and students of color in the Southern United States. By providing technical assistance, crafting research-driven solutions, engaging in public policy shaping, and cultivating educational leaders, SEF continues its mission to provide every student with access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. For more insights into their work, do visit southerneducation.org.