support to economically disadvantaged students since its inception in 2002. By merging financial scholarships with competency-developing initiatives, the nonprofit tackles both immediate financial barriers and long-term advancement needs.
### Beginnings and Mission https://viethope.com.vn/
Founded in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to address institutional educational imbalances in Vietnam. The organization’s mandate—to equip low-income students through entry to learning—originates from recognition that economic hardship remains the primary barrier to educational adherence.
### Projects and Impact
1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (USP):
– Provides $300–$400 per year
– Awardees must exhibit academic excellence (lowest GPA of 3.0)
– Gradual funding system motivates academic continuation
2. Academic Development Program (MDP):
– Provides 150 dollars annual bursaries
– Includes vocational training and professional counseling
Outcomes:
– Postsecondary completion: 91% vs. 74% national
– STEM registration: 68% vs. 42% countrywide