External evaluation of the Escolhas Program
Period
May 2025-May 2026
Funding body
People 2030
Summary
The external evaluation of the Escolhas Program, as part of the “Demography, Skills, and Inclusion” Thematic Program under Portugal 2030, is based on a Theory-Based Evaluation, using mixed methodologies—qualitative and quantitative—that allow for an analysis of the evolution, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impacts, and sustainability of the Escolhas Program over its nine generations, beginning in 2001. Of particular note is the in-depth exploration of the Theory of Change as a structural framework, combining document reviews, interviews, focus groups, and case studies to ensure a robust and contextualized understanding of the program’s effects on local communities and its beneficiaries.
In addition to the CoLABOR team, this external evaluation includes a panel of experts in the fields of Poverty and Social Exclusion and the Evaluation of Public and Social Policies, known as the Advisory Forum, composed of the following researchers: Bernardo Lemos (statistician), Jorge Malheiros (IGOT/University of Lisbon), José Manuel Henriques, Isabel Guerra, and Rogério Roque Amaro (DINÂMIA´CET and CEI/ISCTE-IUL), Rosa Monteiro (FEUC/University of Coimbra), Rosa Madeira (DEP/University of Aveiro), Isabel Menezes (FPCE/University of Porto), and Manuel Sarmento (CIEC/University of Minho)
Partner institutions:
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CoLABOR Team
Bárbara Ferreira (coordinator)
Sónia Costa (coordinator)
Catarina Mendes Cruz
Diogo Cunha
Frederico Cantante
Jorge Caleiras
Luís Vargas
Pedro Estêvão
Tânia Almeida