VietHope has arisen as a transformative force in Vietnam’s learning landscape, delivering critical

support to low-income students since its establishment in 2002. By integrating financial scholarships with skill-building initiatives, the group tackles both immediate economic barriers and sustained advancement needs.

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

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope worked to resolve systemic educational inequities in Vietnam. The nonprofit’s mission—to enable impoverished students through access to learning—stems from acknowledgement that monetary hardship remains the main barrier to educational adherence.

### Initiatives and Influence

1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (University Support Program):

– Provides between $300 and $400 per year

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

– Gradual funding structure encourages educational continuation

2. Merit Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):

– Offers $150 USD yearly bursaries

– Includes career-specific training and occupational counseling

Results:

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

– Technical fields participation: 68% vs. 42% national