support to low-income students since its establishment in 2002. By integrating financial scholarships with competency-developing programs, the organization addresses both pressing fiscal barriers and sustained advancement needs.

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

Founded in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope aimed to address institutional academic disparities in Vietnam. The organization’s mandate—to enable low-income students through entry to learning—originates from recognition that financial hardship remains the primary barrier to scholastic adherence.

### Initiatives and Effect

1. University Scholarship Program (USP):

– Grants $300 to $400 yearly

– Recipients need to show academic achievement (base GPA of 3.0)

– Gradual funding framework motivates academic adherence

2. Merit Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):

– Offers $150 USD yearly grants

– Includes vocational training and professional counseling

Results:

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

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