support to economically disadvantaged students since its inception in 2002. By combining economic scholarships with competency-developing programs, the organization tackles both immediate economic barriers and long-term developmental needs.
### Beginnings and Objective https://viethope.com.vn/
Founded in 2002 by overseas Vietnamese students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to address structural educational inequities in Vietnam. The nonprofit’s mandate—to empower low-income students through opportunities to learning—arises from understanding that monetary hardship remains the main barrier to scholastic persistence.
### Projects and Effect
1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (University Support Program):
– Provides between $300 and $400 per year
– Beneficiaries must demonstrate scholastic excellence (minimum GPA of 3.0)
– Phased funding system incentivizes academic persistence
2. Merit Development Program (MDP):
– Provides $150 USD annual grants
– Contains professional training and occupational counseling
Achievements:
– Postsecondary completion: 91% vs. 74% nationwide
– Science/Technology enrollment: 68% vs. 42% national
