Oportunidade social e o sistema de reserva de vagas para ingresso na UTFPR no sudoeste do Paraná

Abstract

The research analyzes the effectiveness of public affirmative action policies in higher education, focusing on implementing the quota reservation system at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Southwest region, between 2013 and 2023. The study's main objective was to evaluate the academic trajectory of quota and non-quota students, considering indicators of admission, university dropout, retention, and completion, and to verify whether the quota policies have promoted equity and educational development. A qualitative-quantitative and descriptive approach was adopted, based on institutional data from the three UTFPR campuses — Pato Branco, Dois Vizinhos, and Francisco Beltrão. The results showed that approximately 70% of the students come from public schools, highlighting the quota policy's social reach and UTFPR’s reach, particularly in the context of training students from public schools. It was also observed that academic performance and completion rates are similar between quota and non-quota students. However, dropout still represents a significant challenge, possibly related to the limitations of student financial aid. It is concluded that the analyzed affirmative action policies have contributed to the democratization of access and the reduction of educational inequalities, reaffirming UTFPR’s role as a promoter of inclusion and regional development.