* Janes Fidélis Tomelin is the Academic Vice-President of Vitru Educação. With more than 24 years of experience in In-Person and Distance Higher Education (EAD), he has a degree in Philosophy, a master’s degree in Education and a specialization in Social History. Disclosure
A survey by the city of RJ showed that access to universities is also low among favela residents. According to the study, in poor neighborhoods and favelas, out of every 100 people, only 7 have a higher education degree, compared to 70/100 in rich neighborhoods. As for education, only 8% reached higher education. In comparison, a study from 12 years ago, prepared by Data Popular, showed that only 1% of residents of these communities had a higher education degree at the time.
In this context, for example, the hub in Rocinha (RJ) of UniCesumar, one of the brands of Vitru, the largest distance learning company in the country, comes into play. There is one of the access points that offers distance learning higher education courses into communities, giving real opportunities to real people.
The arrival of a hub in a favela or community “off the axis” is essential in the training journey, as they are face-to-face spaces that meet the academic and regional needs of students and employees.
The social and economic impact promoted by access to higher education is visible. Approximately 80% of distance learning students are the first in their family to enroll in an undergraduate course and 67% of distance learning students work 40 hours or more per week (Enade, 2022). At UniCesumar’s Rocinha Center, there are more than 800 active students enrolled.
Reports about the leap in employability are multiplying among students. According to the Vitru internal survey, conducted by Nomads, with more than 40 thousand students and former students, it found a relationship between distance learning training and improved employability and remuneration of graduates of the modality. With 80.5% of alumni currently employed, there was an average increase of 14.5% in those working in their field of training.
The research brings other diagnoses about the contribution of distance learning to students’ careers. 84% of graduates experienced career improvements after starting the course. Among the positive impacts, 17.5% had a salary increase, 16% reported a promotion or change of position and 15.5% obtained their first job or internship in the area.
We are convinced that students’ intellectual growth and human development are redefined through enriching learning experiences, based on interaction with content and concepts presented by educators, using various teaching materials and the most advanced technological tools. This comprehensive perspective prepares students not only for professional challenges, but also for a life of significant contributions to society, inside and outside the communities.
* Janes Fidélis Tomelin is the Academic Vice President of Vitru Educação. With more than 24 years of experience in In-person and Distance Higher Education (EAD), he has a degree in Philosophy, a master’s degree in Education and a specialization in Social History
