Higher Education Policy in the Lula Government Expansion and Funding

Abstract

The article analyzes the educational policy in regard to expansion and funding to higher education in the two mandates of the Lula government. As a result, we intend to go the way of the formulation and implementation of elements of the government agenda that promote the expansion and funding of supply combined with grants and scholarships to students. Importantly, these elements are present in Prouni and Expansion Phase I program and its continuity at Reuni. The educational policy embodied in the combination of intensive and extensive growth with the addition of resources to the federal sector. Given the loss of importance of the FIES, it is concluded that the Lula government directed public policy on two fronts: initiated the PNAES for the student body to the federal sector and provided scholarships to students of IES through Prouni. Such innovations in favor of the poorest social people were gestated under the logic of not only allow entry, but also provide the conditions for students to stay and conclude the high education. However, social and regional inequalities remain on the horizon of educational policy as obstacles to be overcome. These are the main challenges to be faced so that a society can give to all real conditions, based on the democratic values of meritocracy and equal opportunities.