Efeito do Programa Sukatech em indicadores educacionais: evidências para o estado de Goiás

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of extracurricular activities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on students’ academic performance, using the Sukatech Program, implemented in the state of Goiás, as a case study. Quasi-experimental methods, particularly propensity score matching (PSM), are employed to evaluate the effect of program participation on students’ grades and attendance in the state public school system, controlling for demographic and institutional characteristics.. The results indicate that the program’s effects vary according to subject, grade level, and statistical method, with more consistent evidence of a positive impact on reducing absenteeism and on certain performance indicators, particularly in high school. Overall, participating students tend to exhibit higher school attendance compared to non-participants. The study highlights limitations, such as the absence of longitudinal data and the potential for selection bias and offers practical recommendations for improving public policy design. Considering the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) perspective, Sukatech is interpreted as a sociotechnical intervention that articulates digital inclusion, sustainability, and student engagement, contributing to the development of educational policies with relevant socioeconomic impact.