About us

For 35 years working toward building a dignified life for the population

A class of adults seated at desks in a room with bookshelves in the background.

A smiling student in a black Ampliar apron holds a hair dryer and a round brush.

A new chapter that evolves to go further

In 1991, Projeto Ampliar was born: a non-profit OSC (civil society organization) created at the initiative of Secovi-SP in partnership with companies from the real estate and construction sectors. The aim was to plant a seed for a better future, bringing socially vulnerable young people into the role of protagonists of their own lives.

Over the past 35 years, working in the vocational training of young people, we have gathered stories of transformed lives and positive social impact. In total, there are more than 63,000 graduates, 70% of whom have entered the job market. But we did not do it alone: throughout this time, we have worked by connecting companies from various sectors, partners, donors and people willing to help break the cycle of poverty.

We know, however, that poverty is multidimensional and directly linked to the lack of guaranteed rights, to difficulty accessing employment and income, and to the lack of opportunities. That is why, in 2026, we began a new chapter: Projeto Ampliar was consolidated and transformed into Instituto Ampliar. From now on, with an expanded scope of work, financial autonomy becomes the foundation for citizens' future.

More than intention, structure. More than words, action with solid results.

Discover our pillars of work

Strategic Guidelines

Our Purpose

To be the foundation of a dignified life for the population
Our Mission

To drive the building of citizens' financial autonomy as a way of guaranteeing and protecting rights
Our Values

Welcoming with warmth. Valuing life stories.
Respect for individual choices.
Connections that transform. A sense of belonging. Transparency and ethics.

Discover the history of Instituto Ampliar

1990

The Associação Paulista Ampliar is founded, with the aim of restoring the citizenship and dignity of socially vulnerable young people, helping to reduce school dropout and to raise educational attainment. Maria Helena Mauad becomes president of the Associação Paulista Ampliar.
1992

Opening of the 7 de Setembro Unit, in the South Zone of São Paulo, housed in a shed built at a public daycare center.
2002

Opening of the Brigadeiro Unit, in downtown São Paulo: a vocational training center that makes it possible to serve more people.
2005

Ampliar receives the Top Social title from ADVB – Associação dos Dirigentes de Vendas e Marketing do Brasil (Brazilian Association of Sales and Marketing Executives).
2007

Ampliar is recognized in the Prêmio 500 Grandes da Construção.
2009

The Brigadeiro Unit begins welcoming 100 students a day in its Telemarketing, Administrative Assistant and Computer Skills courses.
2014

Expansion of the vocational training offering: the Brigadeiro Unit began offering courses in Administrative Assistant, Hairdressing Assistant, Office Clerk, Languages (English and Spanish), Manicure, Makeup, Receptionist, Accounting Technician and Web Design. At the 7 de Setembro Unit, the expansion included courses in Administrative Aide, Confectioner, Basic Computer Skills, Baker and Screen Printing.
2016

Ampliar was recognized with the Prêmio CBIC de Responsabilidade Social, the most important award in Brazil's construction sector, which highlights initiatives focused on sustainability, education and social inclusion, organized by the Câmara Brasileira da Indústria da Construção (CBIC, the Brazilian Chamber of the Construction Industry). That same year, the organization strengthened its work by concentrating its activities in the city's central region, expanding the reach and integration of the actions carried out at the Brigadeiro Unit. It also took an important step in educational support by holding the first class of its preparatory course for ENEM (Brazil's national university entrance exam). During this period, the leadership of the Associação Paulista Ampliar also changed, with Maria Helena Mauad stepping down as president and being succeeded by attorney Leonardo Tavares Siqueira, marking the beginning of a new cycle of continuity and institutional development.
2019

Launch of the Elderly Caregiver vocational training course.
2021

Ampliar once again receives the Prêmio CBIC de Responsabilidade Social.
2022

Ampliar's course offering is expanded with new programs in technology and for real estate brokers.
2025

Launch of the Occupational Safety Technician Course.
2026

The Associação Paulista Ampliar, previously affectionately known as Projeto Ampliar, launches its new positioning as Instituto Ampliar. That same year, Instituto Ampliar's new social program is launched: the Alicerce para o Futuro Program (Foundation for the Future), structured around three pillars — skills development, connection with opportunities and access to decent housing.