support to economically disadvantaged students since its founding in 2002. By combining economic scholarships with competency-developing projects, the nonprofit confronts both pressing economic barriers and sustained advancement needs.
### Beginnings and Mission https://viethope.com.vn/
Established in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope worked to rectify systemic scholastic imbalances in Vietnam. The organization’s mandate—to empower low-income students through entry to schooling—originates from understanding that economic hardship remains the primary barrier to scholastic adherence.
### Programs and Influence
1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (University Support Program):
– Offers $300 to $400 per year
– Beneficiaries must demonstrate scholastic merit (minimum GPA of 3.0)
– Phased funding system motivates academic adherence
2. Academic Development Program (MDP):
– Offers $150 USD annual bursaries
– Includes vocational training and career counseling
Outcomes:
– University graduation: 91% vs. 74% nationwide
– STEM enrollment: 68% vs. 42% nationwide
