STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE POLICY AT THE FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF PARAÍBA, SANTA LUZIA CAMPUS

Abstract

This work results from the research developed for the dissertation of the Professional Master’s Program in Professional and Technological Education (PROFEPT), carried out at the João Pessoa Campus. This article analyzes students' perceptions of the Student Assistance Policy (PAE) implemented at the Federal Institute of Paraíba, focusing on the Santa Luzia Campus. The study seeks to understand how students interpret and experience student assistance, especially within the scope of the Student Retention Support Program (PAPE), a financial aid program for students most vulnerable. The research, of an empirical nature and with a quantitative-qualitative approach, was developed with 42 students from integrated technical and high school programs who answered a questionnaire with open and closed questions. The results indicate that students recognize the relevance of student assistance for their retention, but understand it predominantly from a financial perspective, revealing the need to broaden the debate about its formative and civic dimension. Therefore, as an educational product, we present a booklet on student assistance in order to provide information about the Student Assistance Program (PAE) and guidance for accessing student assistance programs and benefits. The booklet was validated by students who evaluated it as an important instrument to reaffirm the transformative role of student assistance in consolidating a democratic, inclusive public education committed to equity.