Resumen:
This paper presents results and analysis of a survey conducted with students of the High School of the City of Sapucaia do Sul, RS. The research had as main objective to investigate the views of young people about the role of schools facing the challenges of the XXI century. Furthermore, we also characterize the youth and the construction process of youth policy in Brazil from 1997 to 2007 period, identify the challenges perceived by them and relate them to the role of the school, examine the relationship between the role played by schools and their personal and professional aspirations, and propose, from notes made some initiatives to be taken by schools. This is an exploratory study of character, whose data were collected from the application of questionnaires. The analysis was done qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to meet the objectives of the research. As the results, it can be said that the couple has a lot to say and claim to be heard, want to intervene and help with the direction of education and public policy of this century. It was concluded that open spaces for dialogue and allow the young people involved in the planning and execution of the action means expanding the possibilities of successful practices, consistent with the wishes and personal goals and work of the main actors of this process: the students. Finally, this study also makes clear that the school of the XXI century needs to commit itself to new technologies and the media, and to all individuals oportunizar a learning, connected to the world of work and exercise of citizenship.
