O papel do Programa Universidade para todos (Prouni) como possibilidade para o desenvolvimento local no Distrito Federal

Abstract

This study seeks to answer the role of the University for All Program (Prouni) for local development. Therefore, the proposed general objective was to analyze Prouni's contributions to the constitution of local development from the beneficiary's perspective in the context of the Federal District. The specific objectives were: to describe the program in its objectives, rules, norms, goals and actors involved; relate the situation of graduates who completed graduation through a Prouni scholarship in higher education institutions in the Federal District to possible changes in their socioeconomic conditions; and identify whether the program's contributions move towards the constitution of local development in the Federal District. With these purposes in mind, the case study on Prouni, using qualitative analysis as an approach, relied on direct and indirect research methods and interpretation through content analysis of interviews conducted with program managers at Higher Education Institutions (IES) and with scholarship holders. The research concluded that Prouni contributes to the transformation of socioeconomic conditions through work, income and social inclusion, which may extend to the families of beneficiaries. These were the immediate effects verified in the correlation with the program. HEIs generate knowledge and experiences that, in a cyclical movement of improvements for society, are returned to the locations in which they are located. In the long term, the effects may come to reflect the empowerment of citizens and reduction of inequalities, generating social well-being, dimensions that belong to the construction of local development.