Análise do Programa AvanCE – Bolsa Universitária: efeitos sobre a permanência e evasão de estudantes no ensino superior

Abstract

The expansion of higher education in an attempt to democratize access requires the implementation of strategies to ensure student retention and success. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the AvanCE Program – University Grant, a public policy developed by the Ceará State Department of Education (SEDUC). This program was established by Law No. 16,317 of August 14, 2017, as amended by Law No. 16,845 of March 6, 2019. The program aims to improve university access for vulnerable students from public schools through financial aid. To achieve this objective, a qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted, using systematic review and descriptive statistics for data analysis and interpretation. A comparison between the groups of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries defined in this study reveals that beneficiaries of the AvanCE Program had a lower rate of enrollment cancellations, as well as slightly higher academic performance and less dispersion. It is therefore concluded that the program has achieved its objective of improving access conditions to higher education, favoring student retention and contributing to reducing the dropout rate.