Generation of critical mass in education: An approach based on multiple vortexes

Brazil is experiencing economic growth, with a strong demand for highly qualified professionals. In the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, Manaus, the situation is critical. The lack of professionals is considered a major risk, and to prepare students is a real challenge as there are few undergraduate courses, and the typical dropout rate is very high. STEM education is intricately difficult and if the student is not well involved, supported and motivated, the chances of success are very low. To address this scenario, a qualification program denominated "multiple vortexes of know-how" was conceived to address three aspects: i) reduce student dropout; ii) enlarge the reachable community; iii) offer different levels of knowledge. Vortex is in essence an action, working interconnected and coordinated to other vortexes. Four different actions were prepared: classroom disciplines; a talent development program; holding short-term events, and enrolling in intensive training. This paper describes the first edition of the program, which was accomplished last year at the Institute of Computing at the Federal University of Amazonas. Up until now, the results are quite positive: over 600 students were involved and motivated with these new possibilities. Moreover, the goal of this paper is also to present the lessons learned so far.