Acesso ao ensino superior e juventude fronteiriça: um diagnóstico das intenções educacionais de estudantes da rede pública

Abstract

Access to Higher Education constitutes an important opportunity for social mobility and human development, especially for youth from the public school system. Considering this context, this study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the intention to enter Higher Education among high school students. To this end, a mixed-methods and descriptive approach was adopted, structured in two complementary stages. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the main factors related to access to Higher Education within the Brazilian context. In the second stage, field research was carried out with 221 high school students from the state public school system in Ponta Porã/MS, a municipality located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression. The results of the review highlighted the influence of socioeconomic, family, educational, racial, and territorial aspects, as well as the relevance of public policies aimed at democratizing access. Regarding the application of the questionnaires, a high intention among young people to enter Higher Education was identified, expressed by 90.5% of the respondents. However, results showed a lack of knowledge about access programs, a low perception of preparedness for college entrance examinations, and the influence of family, social, and individual factors on this intention. The variables that stood out as statistically significant were having family members with Higher Education, sex, color/race, the importance attributed to academic education, and peer influence. As a product of this research, a Guide to Higher Education Access was developed for high school students. The findings can support educational actions and public policies aimed at expanding opportunities for access to Higher Education.