ABSTRACT
The state of Rio Grande do Sol in northeastern Brazil provides a contrast in terms of economic growth and development on the one hand and continuing poverty and minimal living conditions on the other. The state of Rio Grande do Norte has been divided into sixteen microregions of ten to twelve municipalities each; with the objective of impacting to the maximum extent the greatest number of people within a maximum radius of sixty miles from Rural Center for Training University Students and for Community Action (CRUTAC) headquarters. The numbers and mix of students can be changed according to specific regional requirements as determined by the local collaborative and executive councils and the regional CRUTAC directors. A number of the students involved in the CRUTAC program have been interviewed relative to their perception of the beneficial aspects of CRUTAC as well as the constraints that may have impeded full effectiveness of the program in providing community services.
