support to underprivileged students since its inception in 2002. By merging economic scholarships with skill-building projects, the group tackles both urgent economic barriers and sustained developmental needs.
### Origins and Objective https://viethope.com.vn/
Created in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope sought to resolve structural academic imbalances in Vietnam. The group’s goal—to empower impoverished students through entry to learning—stems from acknowledgement that economic hardship remains the primary barrier to academic adherence.
### Projects and Impact
1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (USP):
– Provides $300 to $400 per year
– Awardees must show educational excellence (base GPA of 3.0)
– Gradual funding framework encourages scholastic persistence
2. Merit Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):
– Gives $150 annual scholarships
– Contains career-specific training and professional counseling
Results:
– Postsecondary graduation: 91% vs. 74% nationwide
– STEM participation: 68% vs. 42% nationwide