Política de assistência estudantil: garantia de permanência nos estudos?

Abstract

This master's dissertation, presented in a multipaper format, comprises three articles resulting from research on the student assistance policy at the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais (IFNMG) – Januária Campus. The overall objective of the study was to analyze the Student Assistance Policy offered by IFNMG - Januária Campus as a mechanism to ensure the conditions for retention of high school technical students. This objective was achieved, as demonstrated by the results obtained in each article. The articles were structured according to the dissertation’s specific objectives, resulting in three distinct studies: “Socio-historical Analysis of the Student Assistance Policy at the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais - Januária Campus”; “Student Assistance Policy at the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais - Januária Campus: An Analysis of the Implementation and Application Process”; and “The Student Assistance Policy at IFNMG in the Januária Campus as a Retention Instrument: A Study from the Perspective of Those Involved.” The research adopted a qualitative approach, employing documentary and field methodologies. Data analysis followed content analysis, and data collection instruments included bibliographic research, document analysis, and semi structured interviews conducted in person with students and the technical team at IFNMG – Januária Campus. In the first article, a critical reflection was carried out on the support policies aimed at the inclusion and retention of students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds at IFNMG – Januária Campus. The second article emphasized the importance of these policies within the Brazilian educational context, particularly for students at IFNMG – Januária Campus in areas of social and economic vulnerability. These policies not only facilitate access and retention in educational institutions but also play a fundamental role in mitigating persistent educational disparities in society. In the third article, titled “The Student Assistance Policy at IFNMG in the Januária Campus as a Retention Instrument: A Study from the Perspective of Those Involved,” an analysis was conducted on the perceptions of students, managers, and technical staff regarding the student assistance policy. The findings highlighted the central role of the policy in ensuring school retention, particularly through food and transportation assistance, which were considered indispensable by the participants. It was concluded that, despite budgetary limitations and operational challenges, the Student Assistance Policy at IFNMG has a significant impact on the inclusion and retention of students in vulnerable situations. Thus, this dissertation contributes to the reflection and improvement of institutional practices, reaffirming the importance of public educational policies in promoting equity and access to education.