The organization has arisen as a revolutionary force in Vietnam’s academic landscape, providing vital

support to economically disadvantaged students since its establishment in 2002. By merging monetary scholarships with capacity-building programs, the group tackles both urgent fiscal barriers and enduring advancement needs.

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

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope worked to resolve institutional academic disparities in Vietnam. The group’s mandate—to empower low-income students through entry to schooling—originates from understanding that economic hardship remains the primary barrier to academic persistence.

### Initiatives and Effect

1. Higher education Scholarship Program (Undergraduate Scholarship Program):

– Provides between $300 and $400 per year

– Recipients must show academic merit (base GPA of 3.0)

– Phased funding framework motivates educational persistence

2. Academic Development Program (MDP):

– Offers $150 USD yearly grants

– Includes professional training and professional counseling

Results:

– Higher education completion: 91% vs. 74% nationwide

– Technical fields enrollment: 68% vs. 42% nationwide