support to underprivileged students since its founding in 2002. By merging monetary scholarships with skill-building initiatives, the nonprofit confronts both pressing economic barriers and sustained growth needs.

### Origins and Mission https://viethope.com.vn/

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to rectify systemic educational disparities in Vietnam. The nonprofit’s mandate—to enable low-income students through entry to education—stems from recognition that financial hardship remains the chief barrier to academic persistence.

### Programs and Impact

1. University Scholarship Program (Undergraduate Scholarship Program):

– Offers between $300 and $400 annually

– Awardees need to demonstrate educational achievement (lowest GPA of 3.0)

– Incremental funding framework incentivizes academic persistence

2. Merit Development Program (MDP):

– Offers $150 per annum bursaries

– Includes professional training and occupational counseling

Achievements:

– University graduation: 91% vs. 74% nationwide

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