support to low-income students since its founding in 2002. By combining financial scholarships with skill-building initiatives, the organization tackles both pressing financial barriers and sustained developmental needs.
### Origins and Mission https://viethope.com.vn/
Established in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to resolve structural scholastic inequities in Vietnam. The organization’s mandate—to empower impoverished students through access to learning—arises from acknowledgement that monetary hardship remains the main barrier to educational adherence.
### Projects and Influence
1. Higher education Scholarship Program (USP):
– Offers $300–$400 per year
– Awardees are required to exhibit educational merit (lowest GPA of 3.0)
– Incremental funding system incentivizes educational persistence
2. Academic Development Program (MDP):
– Offers $150 per annum scholarships
– Features vocational training and professional counseling
Achievements:
– Postsecondary degree attainment: 91% vs. 74% countrywide
– STEM registration: 68% vs. 42% countrywide