support to underprivileged students since its founding in 2002. By merging economic scholarships with capacity-building initiatives, the nonprofit addresses both urgent financial barriers and sustained advancement needs.
### Origins and Mission https://viethope.com.vn/
Founded in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope sought to resolve structural educational disparities in Vietnam. The nonprofit’s goal—to enable low-income students through access to learning—originates from acknowledgement that financial hardship remains the primary barrier to scholastic adherence.
### Programs and Effect
1. Higher education Scholarship Program (University Support Program):
– Provides $300–$400 yearly
– Awardees must exhibit academic excellence (base GPA of 3.0)
– Incremental funding framework incentivizes academic adherence
2. Academic Development Program (Merit Program):
– Gives $150 USD per annum bursaries
– Includes career-specific training and professional counseling
Results:
– University degree attainment: 91% vs. 74% countrywide
– STEM enrollment: 68% vs. 42% countrywide