The organization has emerged as a transformative force in Vietnam’s academic landscape, delivering essential

support to low-income students since its founding in 2002. By integrating monetary scholarships with competency-developing projects, the group addresses both immediate financial barriers and enduring developmental needs.

### Foundations and Purpose https://viethope.com.vn/

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to resolve systemic academic imbalances in Vietnam. The group’s mission—to enable impoverished students through entry to schooling—stems from understanding that monetary hardship remains the main barrier to academic adherence.

### Initiatives and Influence

1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (Undergraduate Scholarship Program):

– Grants between $300 and $400 yearly

– Awardees are required to show academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0)

– Incremental funding structure encourages academic continuation

2. Scholastic Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):

– Provides $150 yearly scholarships

– Includes career-specific training and occupational counseling

Achievements:

– Higher education degree attainment: 91% vs. 74% national

– Science/Technology participation: 68% vs. 42% national