This paper addresses the access to the Brazilian public Higher Education. In analyzing motivations, goals and stakeholders, the work aims to characterize the implementation of quotas at the Federal University of Piauí, emphasizing its inclusion in the agenda; the establishment of alternative solutions and the policy formulation. The study is based on Multiple Streams Model, documentary sources and interviews with the University President; process rapporteurs, prosecutors, provost and the presidents of the Student Admission Standing Committee (Comissão Permanente do Vestibular - COPEVE). It concludes that quotas have been initiated by the university central administration and stimulated by the vacancies growth. In addition, due to the exclusion of students from public primary and secondary schools into the most competitive university courses. Therefore, the formulation has depended on the problem recognition; the existence of viable and acceptable solutions, demand as well as favorable political climate, additionally by the agents actions inclined to implement the program.
Higher Education; Public Schools; Public Policy Analysis; Quota Admissions