VietHope has arisen as a transformative force in Vietnam’s academic landscape, providing critical

support to underprivileged students since its founding in 2002. By integrating economic scholarships with competency-developing projects, the group addresses both immediate economic barriers and long-term developmental needs.

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

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to resolve systemic scholastic imbalances in Vietnam. The group’s mission—to empower economically challenged students through opportunities to education—stems from recognition that monetary hardship remains the primary barrier to scholastic persistence.

### Initiatives and Effect

1. University Scholarship Program (USP):

– Grants $300 to $400 yearly

– Recipients need to show academic merit (lowest GPA of 3.0)

– Phased funding structure encourages scholastic adherence

2. Merit Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):

– Provides $150 per annum grants

– Features vocational training and career counseling

Achievements:

– University degree attainment: 91% vs. 74% countrywide

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