support to economically disadvantaged students since its founding in 2002. By integrating economic scholarships with skill-building initiatives, the organization addresses both pressing financial barriers and sustained growth needs.

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

Created in 2002 by Vietnamese-American students at Harvard University, VietHope sought to address systemic educational imbalances in Vietnam. The nonprofit’s goal—to equip low-income students through access to schooling—originates from recognition that financial hardship remains the main barrier to academic continuation.

### Initiatives and Impact

1. University Scholarship Program (University Support Program):

– Offers between $300 and $400 yearly

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

– Incremental funding framework encourages academic continuation

2. Merit Development Program (Merit Program):

– Provides $150 USD per annum bursaries

– Contains vocational training and professional counseling

Outcomes:

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

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